Attempted Suicide Among the Irish-Born Population in Birmingham

Abstract

The epidemiology of attempted suicide among Irish immigrants in Birmingham is described from data concerning 352 (138 male, 214 female) hospital admissions made during the period 1969 to 1972. Admissions from the Irish Republic and from Northern Ireland were similarly distributed, but were both grossly over-represented. The average annual rate of admission (222 male, 362 female) was probably higher than the rates in Dublin, Belfast and Edinburgh. The female patient rate (286) was greater than that of Edinburgh, but the male rate (143) was not. Fewer Irish than British admissions gave a history of previous attempted suicide or repeated this attempt. Indices of stress among immigrants were, however, greater. The importance of socio-cultural factors is discussed.