Sex-disaggregated age-standardized crude suicide rates in Sierra Leone, 2000-2019

This study aims to determine the prevalence and sex-based disparities in age-standardized crude suicide rates in Sierra Leone from 2000 to 2019.

This study employed a time-trend design utilizing nationally representative data on age-standardized crude suicide rates (per 100 000 population) from the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit. The primary outcome measure was the age-standardized crude suicide rate, disaggregated by sex. Inequality measures, including difference, ratio, population attributable fraction and population attributable risk, were calculated to assess disparities between males and females.

From 2000 to 2019, the age-standardized crude suicide rate in Sierra Leone increased from 5.7 to 6.7 per 100 000 population, with notable fluctuations observed. Significant sex-based disparities were evident throughout the study period, with males consistently exhibiting higher suicide rates than females. The absolute difference in suicide rates between males and females narrowed slightly, from -4.0 per 100 000 in 2000 to -3.3 per 100 000 in 2019. However, the ratio of male-to-female suicide rates increased from 0.5 in 2000 to 0.6 in 2019.

This study highlights persistent sex-based disparities in age-standardized crude suicide rates in Sierra Leone, disproportionately affecting males. This study recommends strengthening mental health services and integrating them into primary healthcare systems.