Suicide is a major global public health issue and a growing concern in Türkiye, driven by demographic and societal changes. This study aimed to examine suicide trends in Türkiye from 2000 to 2022, focusing on sociodemographic changes, gender differences, and public health implications, particularly in emergency medicine. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) and other national databases. Between 1975 and 2022, suicide rates in Türkiye increased by 81%, rising from 2.75/100,000 in 1975 to 4.98/100,000 in 2021. A total of 145,200 suicides were recorded, with most occurring between 2000 and 2022. Men accounted for 71.6% of suicides, with an average rate of 6.12/100,000, compared to 2.35/100,000 for women. The most notable increase in female suicide rates occurred in the last decade, with a 45% rise from 2012 to 2021, peaking at 3.65/100,000 in 2021. In contrast, the male suicide rate peaked at 6.94/100,000 during the same year. The highest suicide rates were observed in the 20–24 age group, with a peak of 7.43/100,000 in 2020. While the overall rate among individuals aged 65 and older was lower (2.9/100,000), a significant increase was noted in recent years, peaking at 4.2/100,000 in 2019. From 2010 to 2021, total suicide rates increased by 35%, with female suicides rising by 45% and male suicides by 27%. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions in Türkiye, particularly for young adults and women. Emergency departments play a pivotal role in identifying at-risk individuals, emphasizing the importance of enhanced screening protocols and mental health assessments. Addressing broader socioeconomic and cultural factors is essential for effective suicide prevention strategies.
Key words: Suicide rates, Türkiye, sociodemographic trends, emergency medicine, suicide prevention
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