Overview and aims:
Suicide is a major global public health challenge with over 800,000 people dying every year (134,000 suicide deaths in Europe). Studies show important ethnic differences in suicidal behaviour (self-harm/suicide); some ethnic minority groups have an elevated risk compared to their majority counterparts, whilst others do not. Individuals from ethnic minority groups are more likely to experience language barriers, acculturative stress, and discrimination which influence suicide risk. However, research regarding suicide risk and ethnic minority status is mixed, with some evidence suggesting higher rates of suicide in ethnic minority groups, whilst other studies point to an opposite effect.
This programme of work (as part of Dr Knipe’s EBI VC fellowship) aims to increase our understanding of the differences in suicidal behaviour in ethnic minority groups. This will be done through a series of systematic reviews and analysis of national data sources in the UK.
Methods:
Systematic review: All available peer-reviewed articles estimating the rate of suicide and self-harm in ethnic minority groups will be identified and synthesised to summarise the association between ethnic minority status and suicide/self-harm risk. A further review will summarise the characteristics of migrants and individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds who die by suicide.
Secondary data analysis: Prior to 2021 there was no way in the UK to estimate rates of suicide by ethnic minority status at a national level, as ethnicity data are not a required component of death certification. In 2021, 2011 Census linked mortality data were released. Using these data we will explore the rate of suicide by ethnic minority status, and migratory status in England and Wales. We will also explore other data sources which provide a greater understanding of suicidal behaviour in ethnic minority groups.
Project team:
- University of Bristol, UK: Duleeka Knipe (PI); Laura Howe; Saffron Karlsen; Paul Moran; David Gunnell
- Swansea University, UK: Ann John
- University of Edinburgh, UK: Michael Eddleston, Melissa Pearson
- Manchester University, UK: Nav Kapur, Su-Gwan Tham
- University College Cork, Ireland: M. Isabela Troya
- Kings College London, UK: Grace Crowley
Funders/Supporters
This study is funded by the Wellcome Trust through an Institutional Strategic Support Fund Award to the University of Bristol and the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research
Publications and other outputs:
Troya MI, Spittal MJ, Pendrous R, Crowley G, Gorton HC, Russell K, Byrne S, Musgrove R, Hannah-Swain S, Kapur N, Knipe D. Suicide rates amongst individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine. 2022;47:101399.
Tham SG, Hunt IM, Turnbull P, Appleby L, Kapur N, Knipe D. Suicide among psychiatric patients who migrated to the UK: a national clinical survey. EClinicalMedicine. 2023;57:101859.
Infographic explaining research on reporting suicide rates in ethnic minorities (pdf format)
Contact for further details: dee.knipe@bristol.ac.uk