Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the prevalence and sex-based disparities in age-standardized crude suicide rates in Sierra Leone from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: This study employed a time-trend design utilizing nationally representative data on age-standardized crude suicide rates (per 100 000 population) from the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit. The primary outcome measure was the age-standardized crude suicide rate, disaggregated by sex. Inequality measures, including difference, ratio, population attributable fraction and population attributable risk, were calculated to assess disparities between males and females. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2019, the age-standardized crude suicide rate in Sierra Leone increased from 5.7 to 6.7 per 100 000 population, with notable fluctuations observed. Significant sex-based disparities were evident throughout the study period, with males consistently exhibiting higher suicide rates than females. The absolute difference in suicide rates between males and females narrowed slightly, from -4.0 per 100 000 in 2000 to -3.3 per 100 000 in 2019. However, the ratio of male-to-female suicide rates increased from 0.5 in 2000 to 0.6 in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights persistent sex-based disparities in age-standardized crude suicide rates in Sierra Leone, disproportionately affecting males. This study recommends strengthening mental health services and integrating them into primary healthcare systems.
Source: International Health
Authors: Umaru Sesay, Augustus Osborne
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,908
OpenAlex ID: W4416612243