Presentation Information
[P-14-06]The Incidence Rates, Characteristics, and Related Factors of Student Suicides in Taiwan
*YU-CHUAN HUANG, Hsuan Chiu, Hui-Xiu Chen, Shu-Sen Chang (National Taiwan University(Taiwan))
Keywords:
Suicide,Students,Characteristics,Sex,Age
Suicide is a major public health concern among children and youth worldwide. This study examined the incidence, characteristics, and related factors of student suicides in Taiwan (2018-2023). We analyzed national student death reports from the Ministry of Education, Taiwan. The suicide rates for students were compared with the general population by calculating the standard mortality ratio (SMR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) using Poisson regression. Sex and age differences in the characteristics (method, location, month) and related factors of student suicides were analyzed using the Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, where appropriate, and logistic regression for odds ratios (ORs). When examining the monthly variations in suicide, the monthly rates and SMRs of suicide were calculated. In 2018-2023, there were 622 student suicides (51% males), and 55% were university students. Female students aged 23-29 had higher suicide rates than their general population counterparts (SMR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.13-1.87). Falling from a height (48%) was the most common method, especially among females (55%) and younger students aged 6-18 (59%). Most suicides occurred off-campus (83%), mainly at home (51%). March and October were peak months for female and male suicides, respectively. Mental illness (40%), family relationship issues (33%), and academic-related issues (25%) were the most common related factors. Sexual assault, harassment, and bullying incidents showed the strongest association with female student suicide (OR = 8.72, 95% CI 1.99-38.25). Financial, workplace, and housing issues showed the strongest association with suicide in older students aged 19-29 (OR = 5.90, 95% CI 2.30-15.15). Only 39% and 42% of students had prior contact with on- and off-campus counseling services before suicide, respectively. Student suicide characteristics and related factors differ by sex and age, and low service contacts highlight the urgent need to enhance help-seeking and service accessibility for students at risk of suicide.