Case-control studies of completed and attempted suicide in young people in NSW [ 2004 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Richard Taylor (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr John Hilton ,  Dr Michael Dudley ,  Prof Gregory Carter ,  Prof Johan Duflou

Brief description Youth suicide rates have been increasing dramatically over the last three to four decades. The causes and determinants of these suicide rate changes remain unclear, as do the causes and determinants of the suicides themselves. Despite a range of risk factors being identified by researchers, predicting an individual suicide is difficult due to the range of factors involved and the complex interactions between them. This study will investigate associations between individual and environmental factors for both completed suicides and suicide attempts in young people aged 18-34 years living in NSW. The study will be undertaken in Sydney, Newcastle and in identified rural areas. The study is embedded in existing treatment, counselling and support services and will aid their improvement and augmentation. Cases of suicide and attempted suicide will be compared with community controls, and also completed suicides with attempted suicides, to identify potentially modifiable risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour. This will provide more comprehensive information relating to how various risk factors interact and influence suicidal behaviour, including in rural areas with significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Information from this study will improve prevention initiatives and assist with community strategic development and provide evidence to enhance current health service and coronial interventions.

Funding Amount $AUD 819,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant