Suicide-Related Hospitalizations in Taiwan: An Epidemiologic Study

The proportion of females hospitalized for attempted suicide (55.01%) was higher than that of males (44.99%). Hospitalizations were predominantly higher among individuals aged 20-39 years (46.63%). The three most common suicide methods were ingestion of solid or liquid substances (62.75%), jumping from buildings (19.13%), and burning charcoal (12.08%). Among these, females had higher rates of ingesting solid or liquid substances (11.32/100,000), cutting with tools (0.15/100,000), and jumping from buildings (3.2/100,000), whereas males had higher rates of burning charcoal (1.41/100,000), hanging (0.39/100,000), and firearm use. Regarding age, young adults aged 20-49 years were more likely to attempt suicide by jumping from buildings, burning charcoal, or using gas, while older adults aged 65 years and above predominantly used ingestion of solids, hanging, or cutting tools. Furthermore, suicide methods exhibited substantial regional variations.From 1998 to 2020, suicide-related hospitalizations, mortality, and morbidity rates increased in Taiwan, underscoring a pressing public health concern that warrants immediate attention.

Autorentext

Yao-Ching Huang defended his Ph.D. thesis at Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) in 2021. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Data Analysis and Management Center, Department of Medical Research, Tri-services General Hospital.