The Impact of Unemployment on Suicide Rate in Hong Kong during the Period of Economic Recovery, 2003-2006

Abstract

Literature has widely documented the positive association of unemployment with suicide. Since 1997, the transition of suicide rate has been in line with the unemployment rate in Hong Kong. We aim to examine the suicide risk ratio between the unemployed and the employed during the period of 2003-2006 by age and gender, and explore such unknown suicide-related socioeconomic factors as living arrangement and marital status among the unemployed. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square Test are employed. Results show that not every member in the community can benefit from economic recovery, for the unemployed individuals tend to face heightened risks of completing suicide in times of economic recovery. For developing an effective strategy for suicide prevention, the government should put more effort to empower unemployed individuals.