5. Suicide in Indigenous Populations of Qld
• Between 1994 and 2007, Indigenous suicide rates were on average 2.2-
times higher than non-Indigenous suicide rates (27.2 vs. 12.6 per 100,000)
• Indigenous suicide rates by age:
– Children under 15yrs 7 times higher
– 15-24years 3.6 times higher
– 25 – 34years 2.4 times higher
– 55> no recorded female suicides
– Males 2.5 times higher and
– Females 3.4 times higher
• Hanging the most common method 86.6% comparatively 36.3%
• 16,730 Potential Life Years Lost 1990 – 2006 (n478)
Suicide in Indigenous populations in Queensland
Diego De Leo et al. 2011
6. Suicide in Indigenous Populations of
Queensland
• Significantly higher proportion were single or had never been married 51.7%
• A similar burden of mental illness
• Higher prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse (cannabis)
• Indigenous people are less likely to have received MH treatment:
– Ever received treatment 23.3% compared to 42.3%
– in the prior 3mths to suicide 10.1% compared to 25.6%
Suicide in Indigenous populations in Queensland
Diego De Leo et al. 2011
7. Suicide Risk Factors in Indigenous People
• Age <35
• Male/female ratio 3.0:1
• Lower socio economic status Particularly frequent
• Unemployment 72%
• Relationship breakdown Reported as frequent
• Bereavement Reported as frequent
• Suicide behavior in social group Particularly frequent
• Prior suicide attempt Reported as frequent
• Substance abuse Alcohol 77%
• Victim of sexual abuse Reported as frequent
• Loss of traditional culture Reported as frequent
• Social Marginalisation Reported as frequent
Suicide in indigenous populations in Queensland
Diego De Leo et al. 2011
8. Indigenous Protective Factors
Similar protective factors that may protect against suicide, arising from a
cultural perspective, include:
• An understanding of Indigenous concepts and experiences
• A strengthening of:
– cultural identity,
– connection to land,
– spirituality &
– ancestry
• Social cohesion
• Self determination and community governance
9. LTD – Preventing Aboriginal & Torres Strait
Islander Suicide DVD
• Background to the relationship
• Funding
• Concept
• Workforce development
• Community Forums
12. “what is suicide – its about us”
“in a battle we cannot explain”
“the loss of people we cannot explain”
“very educational & inspiring for our people”
“we need workshops like this”
“We need leadership in Suicide Prevention”
Feedback from Paticipants at Kambu
13. What communities see as priorities for SP
• We need leadership in Suicide Prevention
• Need to go back to community and get them engaged.
• Need to give people a sense of purpose (to life)
• It was noted that there are a lack of services in remote and rural locations
throughout Queensland to support mob with suicide ideation
• “there is not enough awareness in communities about suicide”
• The need for safe places in communities
• A need for running programs in communities around education and awareness of
suicide prevention
• A need to continue to push government to support suicide prevention awareness in
communities
