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Is suicide underreported? Evidence from Japan
Tetsuya Matsubayashi1, Michiko Ueda2
1Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan. matsubayashi@osipp.osaka-u.ac.jp.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|November 12, 2021
Summary
Suicide statistics in Japan appear accurate, as declining suicide rates did not correlate with an increase in deaths from unknown causes. This finding suggests reliable data on suicide frequency.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Demography
Background:
- Underreporting of suicides is a global concern.
- Previous studies explored the correlation between suicide rates and deaths of unknown intent.
- Japan has seen a significant decline in suicide rates in recent years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential underreporting of suicides in Japan.
- To examine the relationship between suicide rates and mortality from unknown causes.
- To assess the influence of socioeconomic factors on unexplained deaths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized subnational data from 47 Japanese prefectures (1995-2016).
- Analyzed the correlation between suicide rates and mortality from unknown causes.
- Examined the relationship between socioeconomic indicators (unemployment, divorce) and deaths of unknown intent.
Main Results:
- Mortality rates due to unknown intent were uncorrelated with suicide rates.
- No systematic relationship was found between unexplained deaths and socioeconomic factors like unemployment or divorce.
- The analysis suggests suicide statistics in Japan are likely accurate.
Conclusions:
- Suicide frequency in Japan shows no systematic relationship with deaths of unknown intent.
- Findings suggest the accuracy of Japanese suicide statistics.
- This study contributes to understanding suicide data reliability globally.
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