Suicide Rates and Differences in Rates Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Populations in the 30 Largest US Cities, 2008-2017

Abstract

Objectives Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and rates vary by race and ethnicity. An analysis of suicide across large US cities is absent from the literature. The objective of this study was to examine suicide rates among the total population, non-Hispanic Black population, and non-Hispanic White population in the United States and in the 30 largest US cities. Methods We used data from the National Vital Statistics System to calculate non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and total age-adjusted suicide rates for the 30 largest US cities and for the entire nation during 2 periods: 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. We also examined absolute and relative differences in suicide rates among non-Hispanic White populations and non-Hispanic Black populations in each city. Results The overall age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population in the United States increased significantly from 12.3 in 2008-2012 to 13.5 in 2013-2017. Total suicide rates were stable in most cities; rates increased significantly in only 1 city (Louisville), and rates decreased significantly in 2 cities (Boston and Memphis). The non-Hispanic White suicide rate was significantly higher—1.3 to 4.3 times higher—than the non-Hispanic Black suicide rate in 24 of 26 study cities during 2013-2017. From 2008-2012 to 2013-2017, non-Hispanic White suicide rates decreased significantly in 3 cities and increased significantly in 3 cities; non-Hispanic Black suicide rates increased significantly in 5 cities and decreased in none. Absolute differences in suicide rates among non-Hispanic White populations and non-Hispanic Black populations increased significantly in 1 city (Louisville) and decreased significantly in 2 cities (Memphis and Boston). Conclusions Our study may inform the use of evidence-based programs and practices to address population-level risk factors for suicide.

Suicide among Cancer Patients: Current Knowledge and Directions for Observational Research

“…Our findings regarding racial disparities in suicide among cancer patients are similar to studies from the general population which show that there are higher rates of suicide among White Americans as compared to Black Americans [43]. Notably, this disparity persists even when examining suicide rates among Black and White Americans living in the same city, indicating that this disparity exists regardless of geography.…”

“…A recent meta-analysis showed that across high-income English-speaking countries, rurality is associated with a higher risk of suicide. However, a subgroup analysis showed that this relationship was only significant for males, while females living in rural areas did not have a higher risk of suicide than their urban counterparts [41][42][43]55]. While the reasons for this disparity are incompletely established, possible explanations include decreased social support and decreased access to necessary mental health services [56].…”