Suicide trends in Türkiye by gender and suicide methods (2003-2022): A joinpoint regression analysis

Abstract

Suicide, which broadly signifies “the act of intentionally causing one’s own death,” necessitates analysis within socio-psychological cause-and-effect relationships. Suicide is a multidimensional public health issue that needs to be addressed at both individual and societal levels. Approaching suicide as a public health problem requires the continuous and systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of accurate information about the counts, crude and standardized rates, incidence, prevalence, and characteristics of fatal and non-fatal suicidal behaviors. In this ongoing and systematic process, the examination of the changing trend of suicide cases holds a significant place. This research utilizes joinpoint regression analysis (JRA) to examine the crude rate focusing on overall and gender-specific; and annual percent change of suicide methods in Türkiye, recorded between 2003 and 2022. The findings indicate that the crude suicide rate has increased over a 20-year period, with 2018 being a noteworthy point in the upward trend. While males have shown a consistent increase over the years, females exhibited a decreasing trend until 2017, after which they started to rise. The study also reveals diverse trends in suicide methods over the years. The obtained findings are interpreted in the context of the current situation, and limitations and recommendations are considered.