Suicide is the leading cause of death among young adults in China and has reached epidemic levels among those living in rural areas, especially young women, according to new findings by researchers in China and the United States (Lancet. 2002;359:835-840).
The researchers found that 3.6% of all deaths in China were the result of suicide, but the rate is nearly 19% among people aged 15 to 34 years, making it the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause of death (after motor vehicle crashes) for men in this age group. Rural rates were three times higher than urban rates for all age groups.
In addition, there were 25% more suicides among women than men. Suicides accounted for nearly one third of all deaths of rural women in this age group.
The researchers suggest that the low status and limited opportunities and social . . . [Full Text of this Article]
