Economic Cost of Suicide Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Migrants in Australia

Suicide and self-harm pose significant global public health challenges with substantial economic implications. Recent Australian evidence shows considerable variations in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and mortality among culturally and ethnically diverse population groups. This study aims to estimate the associated economic cost of suicide among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants in Australia.

We evaluated the economic impact of suicide by considering the years of life lost, years of productive life lost, and overall economic costs, including direct, indirect, and intangible costs. We used data on suicide deaths in 2020 from the National Coronial Information System.

The estimated economic cost associated with 346 suicide deaths among CALD migrants is $2.9 billion (Australian dollars), with an average cost per fatality equivalent to $8.47 million. This estimate varies in the sensitivity analysis from $1.9 billion to $3.9 billion, depending on the average age of fatality, with corresponding average costs of $5.59 million to $11.35 million, respectively. These estimates do not capture costs associated with suicidal behaviours, which may substantially increase the economic burden.

The significant economic impacts of CALD migrants' suicide in Australia highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive national suicide prevention programme tailored for CALD migrant populations.