The number of suicides in Slovakia increased last year in yearly terms by 59 cases to reach 548, according to data from the National Health Information Centre. Men were much more prone to taking their own lives, as the male to female suicide ratio stood at 449:99. In terms of regions, the highest number of suicides was registered in Banská Bystrica region, namely 88, followed by Trenčín region on 70 cases. Conversely, Trnava region recorded the lowest number of cases, namely 54. As for age, the largest proportion of men who took their own lives were aged 60-69, while the range stood at 70 plus in the case of women. Only one boy and one girl committed suicide among children under 14. A notable, 72-percent increase was observed among teenagers aged 15-19, with 19 successful suicides.
The centre also recorded 660 suicide attempts last year. Almost a third of these attempts relied on overdosing with medication, while sharp objects were used in 26.5% of such cases. Almost 80% of those who attempted suicide have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Attempted, unsuccessful suicides were most often committed by men in their thirties (81 cases) and teenage girls (87).
Source: TASR
