Introduction
Suicide among males is a major public health challenge. In 2019, males accounted for
nearly 80% of the suicide deaths in the U.S., and suicide was the eighth leading cause
of death for males aged ≥10 years. Males who die by suicide are less likely to have
known mental health conditions than females; therefore, it is important to identify
prevention points outside of mental health systems. The purpose of this analysis was
to compare suicide characteristics among males with and without known mental health
conditions by age group to inform prevention.
Methods
Suicides among 4 age groups of males were examined using the 3 most recent years of
data at the time of the analysis (2016–2018) from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention's National Violent Death Reporting System. Decedents with and without
known mental health conditions were compared within age groups. The analysis was conducted
in August 2021.
Results
Most male suicide decedents had no known mental health conditions. More frequently,
those without known mental health conditions died by firearm, and many tested positive
for alcohol. Adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged males without known mental
health conditions more often had relationship problems, arguments, and/or a crisis
as a precipitating circumstance than those with known mental health conditions.
Conclusions
Acute stressors more often precipitated suicides of males without known mental health
conditions, and they more often involved firearms. These findings underscore the importance
of mitigating acute situational stressors that could contribute to emotionally reactive/impulsive
suicides. Suicide prevention initiatives targeting males might focus on age-specific
precipitating circumstances in addition to standard psychiatric markers.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: June 07, 2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
