Suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years in the Americas, 2000-2021: an analysis using the WHO Global Health Estimates.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Ecological time-series analysis of aggregate population mortality estimates
PubMed 42169977 · doi:10.1016/j.lana.2026.101497
What was done
The authors analyzed suicide mortality patterns and temporal trends among individuals aged 10–24 years across 35 countries in the Americas between 2000 and 2021 using WHO Global Health Estimates 2021 data. Suicide mortality rates were stratified by age, sex, and country income level. Average annual percentage change was calculated using Joinpoint regression based on log-linear models of mortality versus calendar year.
What was found
In 2021, suicide accounted for an estimated 18,157 deaths (95% uncertainty interval: 16,103–20,475) among individuals aged 10–24 in the Americas, with 75% occurring in males. Suicide mortality rose by 1.48% per year (95% UI: 1.08–1.89; p < 0.0001), increasing from 5.70 deaths per 100,000 (95% UI: 5.13–6.26) in 2000 to 7.84 per 100,000 (95% UI: 6.95–8.84) in 2021. Rates were nearly threefold higher in males than females, though female rates increased faster over time. North America demonstrated the highest rates, fastest growth, and largest sex disparities. Across all deaths, the primary lethal means were hanging/strangulation/suffocation (58.4%), firearms (24.4%), and drug poisoning (4.5%).
Why it matters
This study documents a sustained two-decade rise in youth suicide rates across the Americas, highlighting growing vulnerability among early adolescents (10–14 years) and large geographic disparities. It underscores the urgency of targeted youth mental health initiatives and means-restriction policies tailored to prevailing lethal methods.
Limits
The study relies on modeled WHO estimates, which depend on the completeness and accuracy of national vital registration systems that vary widely across the 35 countries. Cause-of-death misclassification, underreporting, and stigma surrounding suicide may introduce bias. The ecological design prevents analysis of individual-level clinical, social, or psychiatric risk factors.