Suicide in Russia

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Suicide in Russia is a significant national social-issue with one of the highest suicide rates in the world. As of October 2011 nearly one million Russians have committed suicide since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.[1] Researchers have observed a close association between heavy alcohol consumption in Russia and suicide.[2]

Dynamics[edit]

In 2012, 29,735 of 1,906,335 (1.56%) deaths in Russia were suicidal.[3]

The rate of suicide has been steadily decreasing since it peaked at around 40 per 100,000 in the mid-late 90s, including a 30% drop from 2001 to 2006.[4] In 2007 about 22% of all suicides were committed by people aged 40–49, and almost six times as many Russian males commit suicide as females.[5]

Alcohol and suicide[edit]

Further information: Alcoholism in Russia

Heavy alcohol use is a significant factor in the suicide rate, with an estimated half of all suicides a result of alcohol abuse.[2][6] This is evident by the fact that Russia's suicide rate since the mid-90s has declined alongside per capita alcohol consumption, despite the economic crises since then; alcohol consumption is more of a factor than economic conditions.[6]

Teenage suicides[edit]

In 2012, the rate of teenage suicides in Russia was three times higher than the world average.[7]

2006 Statistics[edit]

Number of suicides per 100,000 by age group and gender. Russia, 2006
Age (years) 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+
Males 2.8 43.7 70.9 66.3 71.4 61.6 70.0 86.5
Females 1.1 7.4 9.0 9.1 10.3 8.9 13.3 24.8
Average 2.0 25.8 39.8 36.9 38.6 31.4 33.8 40.7
Source: World Health Organization[8]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Buckland, Lucy (22 October 2011). "Nearly a million Russians have committed suicide since collapse of Soviet Union". Mail Online (London). Retrieved 14 January 2013. 
  2. ^ a b "Heavy Drinking and Suicide in Russia" (PDF). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 14 January 2013. 
  3. ^ "Демография". gks.ru. 
  4. ^ WHO Russia suicide statistics WHO retrieved on March 21, 2008
  5. ^ One million people commit suicide every year globally RIA Novosti Retrieved on March 21, 2008
  6. ^ a b Demoscope - Demographic, social and economic consequences of alcohol abuse in Russia Demoscope Retrieved on July 6, 2010
  7. ^ Kates, Glenn (19 April 2012). "A Spate of Teenage Suicides Alarms Russians". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 January 2013. 
  8. ^ "Suicide Rates Russia" (PDF). WHO. Retrieved 14 January 2013.