Consideration of Traits such as Age, Socio-economic Status, Ethnicity and Gender as Risk Factors for Suicide and Self-harm

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the projected timeline for the studies conducted by the Institute of Mental Health to understand the risk factors for suicide and self-harm, as well as the mitigating factors for the prevention and reduction of self-harm; and (b) whether these studies will consider age, socio-economic status, ethnicity and gender to obtain a more comprehensive overview of potential links between these factors for a more targeted approach in national mental health strategies.

The Institute of Mental Health is currently conducting two research studies to understand the risk factors for suicide and self-harm, as well as the mitigating factors for prevention and/or reduction of self-harm.

The studies consider demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status, of suicide attempters and completers, among other risk factors measured.

Both studies are ongoing and results are projected to be ready by 2025.