|
HK suicide rate over the global average
By Alfons Chan (China Daily HK Edition)
Updated: 2004-09-10 08:46
Hong Kong's suicide rate has reached a historic peak, surpassing the global
average.
"Based on the latest suicide figures in 2003, it is estimated that about
1,200 people committed suicide in the territory," said Dr Paul Yip, director of
the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSRP) yesterday.
Speaking at a seminar on suicide prevention, Yip said the rate is "17.6 per
100,000, well above the global rate of 15.0 and the highest figure in recent
years".
Yip said that the suicide rates of the elderly and the middle-aged group have
significantly increased, due to unemployment, financial debt and mental
disorders such as depression.
According to the CSRP, the estimated medical costs for suicide attempts
amounted to HK$48 million last year.
Latest statistics revealed that the suicide rate for Hong Kong citizens above
the age of 60 rose by 40 per cent with 303 cases in 2003, while the suicide rate
for people in the 40 to 59 year age bracket increased by 27 per cent.
Yip recommended that family members and colleagues of those who are in
distress should offer them emotional support and to seek help from social
organizations such as suicide prevention centres and other support groups.
Dr Jose Bertolote, an expert from the World Health Organization, said the
government and support groups should focus on three areas in suicide prevention,
including control of access to means of suicide, de-glamourizing media reports
and treatment of mental disorders.
"We must mobilize society to talk about the issue and break the taboo of
suicide to achieve further progress in suicide prevention," he said.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Justice Elsie Leung urged different sectors of
society to join hands in saving lives.
"The full support of the community is necessary if we are to bring the
problem of suicide under control," she said.
Globally, about 850,000 suicides take place each year, with a rate of 15.0
per 100,000 people or one death every 40 seconds, according to the WHO.
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
Today's
Top News |
|
|
|
Top China
News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
