University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Thematic analysis of key factors associated with Indigenous and non-Indigenous suicide in the Northern Territory, Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 15:27 authored by Kuipers, P, Appleton, J, Saxby PridmoreSaxby Pridmore

Introduction: Given the impact of suicide on individuals, families and communities, particularly for rural, remote and Indigenous populations, the current study was undertaken to enhance understanding on this topic. Coroners' reports were identified as a rich data source, amenable to thematic summary to reveal key factors associated with suicide.

Methods: Thematic analysis was undertaken of 411 coroners' reports of completed suicides across a 10 year period, occurring in the Northern Territory, Australia. Data were extracted numerically and qualitatively, categorised and tallied.

Results: Key factors associated with suicide in order of frequency of identification by coroners were (i) alcohol and other drug abuse, (ii) conflict and relationship breakdown and (iii) mental illness and mental health concerns. Considerable differences were noted between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cases. In addition to numerical summaries, examples of coroners' comments are provided that underscore the relevance of these factors.

Conclusion An array of factors was associated with suicide and considerable variation was found between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cases. The relative importance of social and contextual factors is confirmed for people at risk of suicide in rural, remote and Indigenous populations. These findings suggest relative priorities for suicide prevention and postvention.

History

Publication title

Rural and Remote Health

Volume

12

Issue

4

Article number

2235

Number

2235

Pagination

1-16

ISSN

1445-6354

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Australian Rural Health Education Network

Place of publication

PO Box 242 Deakin West, ACT 2600 Australia

Rights statement

Copyright 2012 Kuipers, J Appleton, S Pridmore

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC