Regional deprivation and suicide mortality in Germany

Abstract Background Regional deprivation has been shown to be an important determinant of suicide risk. However, little is known about regional differences in suicide mortality in Germany. Methods Data from cause of death statistics (2015 to 2021) were analyzed. Regression analysis for data with negative binomial distribution was used to examine the association between the German Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015, covering 401 districts and district-free cities in Germany, and suicide mortality. Results The adjusted rate ratio for suicide in the most deprived deprivation area compared to the least deprived area was 1.18 (95% CI [1.72, 2.00]). A sensitivity analysis shows similar rate ratios for men (1.99 (95% CI [1.80, 2.18])) and women (1.69 (95% CI [1.49, 1.92])), but a higher rate ratio for rural areas (2.29 (95% CI [2.04, 2.57])) compared with urban areas (1.51 (95% CI [1.36, 1.68])). Conclusions The findings suggest that regional deprivation is associated with suicide mortality, and call for a more targeted approach to suicide prevention in deprived regions. Key messages • Study reveals higher suicide rates in deprived regions in Germany. • Study calls for tailored prevention strategies to address this disparity.