Marshall Islands

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 14.9 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
• Trend Analysis:
  • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in the Marshall Islands remain high, particularly among young men, with major concerns linked to economic hardship, cultural stress, and substance abuse.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than females, with young men being the most vulnerable group.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, though women experience high levels of suicide attempts.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide among youth is a major concern, often linked to unemployment, family conflict, and substance abuse.
   • Elderly (60+): Limited data, though social isolation and chronic illnesses may contribute to suicide risk.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Higher suicide rates are reported in remote outer islands due to lack of access to mental health services.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Youth and Young Adults: The most vulnerable group, facing social and economic difficulties.
   • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face mental health challenges due to cultural stigma and limited support services.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: The Marshall Islands does not have a formal national suicide prevention strategy, but mental health services are integrated into the National Strategic Health Plan.
• Key Elements:
  • Expanding mental health services in urban and remote areas.
  • Increasing awareness campaigns on mental health and suicide prevention.
  • Training healthcare workers in suicide prevention techniques.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: “Live Well, Stay Strong” campaign promotes mental health awareness and resilience among youth.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Youth Suicide Prevention: School-based programs focus on resilience-building and emotional well-being.
   • Community Mental Health Outreach: Programs targeting substance abuse and mental health awareness.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and regional Pacific health organizations to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Mobile health (mHealth) services provide SMS-based mental health support.
  • Social media campaigns help reduce stigma around suicide and mental health.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training community leaders, teachers, and healthcare workers in suicide prevention.
  • Peer-support groups offer emotional and psychological assistance to at-risk individuals.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Suicide is heavily stigmatized, often viewed as a private or spiritual matter.
  • Family and community networks play a crucial role in mental health support.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Limited national data on suicide rates, particularly among marginalized groups.
  • Underreporting of suicide remains a significant issue due to cultural taboos.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increased collaboration with international organizations to strengthen mental health services.
  • Growing recognition of mental health as a critical public health issue.

References

1. Marshall Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). National Health Policy and Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.rmihealth.org/
2. World Bank. (2019). Marshall Islands – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Marshall Islands. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. Youth to Youth in Health. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in the Marshall Islands. Retrieved from https://www.y2yhealth.org/
5. Pacific Community (SPC). (n.d.). Mental Health and Well-being Programs in the Pacific Region. Retrieved from https://www.spc.int/