Black and minority ethnic groups (BME) suicide, admission with suicide or self-harm: an inner city study

Aim The aim of the study was to identify trends of suicide or undetermined injury, admission with suicide or self-harm among black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in an inner city area of London. Subjects and methods Retrospective data was obtained between 2009 and 2012; 2010 and March 2013 from the Office of National Statistics and Public Health Mortality files for suicide and undetermined injury and for admission with suicide or self-harm respectively. Descriptive analysis was done by charts, graphs and percentages. Results 192 people died of suicide or undetermined injury between 2009 and 2012. 59 % of these were born in the United Kingdom (UK) but outside London, while 55 % were born in London. Of those born outside the UK, Eastern and Western Europeans had the highest suicide rate of 51 %. In relation to admission with suicide or self-harm, 996 BME groups were admitted between 2010 and March 2013. Those of Arab origin, North and South Americans had the highest number of admissions (28 %), while Eastern and Western Europeans had 26 %. Conclusion Suicide and admission with suicide or self-harm among BME are issues that should be addressed. Rates among those from Eastern and Western Europe are of particular concern. Improved training is needed for primary-care workers in screening at risk groups and better referral to psychological therapies. This will enable better interventions in addressing BME needs