Recent Trends in Selected Socio- economic Determinants of Suicide: A Cross Sectional Study from South Karnataka, India

Abstract

The rate of suicide is far more prevalent than reported in India and over the last few decades. The main objective of this study is to establish the correlation of selected socio-economic determinants for suicide and its link to the caste issue. This is a cross-sectional study based on police records in Mysore City, Karnataka between the years 2017 to 2021. In the study period, 923 suicide cases were registered, of which 57% were from urban areas and 43% were from rural areas. Mental illness, loan and health issues are the major causes of suicide. The 21-30 age groups had the highest rate (32.5%) of suicide suspecting quarter-life crisis in contrast to the national crime record bureau report. Male victims have outnumbered women. The study found socioeconomic factors, like low schooling (24%), unskilled job (43%), poor income (74%), are significantly linked to higher suicide rates. As a first time it is noted that the highest rate of suicide among excluded castes (79.5%). Well-off castes have shown a low rate of suicide (12%). The study concludes that suicide is connected with the disadvantaged caste factor and poor socio-economic deterrents, including low income, low schooling, and occupation. It is advocated that poverty-related mental disorder needs urgent policy interventions today.

Keywords

• suicide
• socio-economic
• income
• education
• caste