The suicide rate in Greenland has been among the highest rates worldwide during the past 40 years with an average suicide rate of 96 suicides per 100,000-person years. The highest rates are seen among people in East and North Greenland and especially young people are at risk. Arctic research points towards the importance of social determinants as well as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in youth suicides. The project investigates how social determinants and adverse childhood experiences affects suicide risk in a nationally representative study based on register and survey data.
Purpose
The aim of the project is to map risk factors, clusters, and trajectories for suicide, with a particular focus on youth and young adults aged 15-40 years.
Method
The project is a systematic investigation of risk trajectories, risk factors and risk patterns for suicide and suicide behavior based on nationwide register and survey data. Information on social determinants and other relevant risk factors are included from registries in Statistics Greenland. Data from the Greenland Register of Causes of Death is included in the studies. The survey data is based on The National Health Survey, a nationally representative survey on health and health-related behavior. The first survey was conducted in 1993 and the latest was conducted in 2018. The survey data contain information on childhood conditions, lifestyle, mental health, and suicidal behavior.
Period of project
2020-2024
Collaboration and funding provider
Ministry of Education and Research - Danish State Funds for Arctic Research and the University of Southern Denmark.