Suicidal Activity in Ukraine

Objectives Suicidal activity is one of the criteria of quality of life and important social status component of society. Known, that cause of most so-called “death from accidents” (drugs overdose, road accidents, falling from height etc.) is actually a suicide. Purpose Verify real cause of accidents death for further suicide prevention. Methods We analyzed the suicide average value in Ukraine last 5 years. Results In 2009 compared to 2008 the number of suicides increased by 2,7% (259 cases) to 9717 cases (+ 5%) in Ukraine. In 2010, number of suicides dropped to 9500 cases. In 2011 8952 cases (19,6 per 100 000 population) in Ukraine committed suicide. During 2012 and 2013 recorded growth of suicidal activity (9060 cases or 19.9 in 2012 VS 9551 case or 20.6 in 2013). But we saw a decrease in total number of suicides hidden due to traffic accidents (5817 cases or 12.8 in 2012 and 5353 cases or 11.8 in 2013), accidental alcohol poisoning (4597 cases or 10.1 VS 3988 cases or 8.8) and other substances (2066 cases or 4.5 VS 1871 cases, or 4 1). While the overall increase in suicides in 2013 was +0.7, a decrease of hidden suicides due to these reasons reached −2.7 per 100 thousand population. Additionally, we noted a decrease in suicides by 2.4% over last 5 years. Conclusions Increase in suicidal activity over past two years have caused a redistribution of deaths in home by reducing hidden suicides, such as traffic accidents, alcohol poisoning and other substances.