Pusan National University Researchers Link Suicide Prevalence to Geographical Latitude
BUSAN, South Korea, Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the years, deaths due to suicide have become prevalent across the globe, with estimates suggesting that almost 800,000 people take their own lives each year. Suicide and self-harm adversely affect individuals, families, and society at large. Other than causing mental distress, they also lead to productivity loss and soaring medical expenses. In 2019, losses associated with suicide reached $490 billion. Lately, there is a growing cause of concern regarding the increased risk of suicide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In this light, a research team led by Professor Yun Hak Kim from Pusan National University, South Korea, explored the role of sunlight exposure in the prevalence of suicide.
- Next, they calculated the suicide prevalence per 100,000 people and its trends based on factors such as latitude, gender, age, firearm regulation, and income.
- In fact, the latitude change explained nearly 27.3% of the suicide prevalence.
- Title of paper: Global prevalence of suicide by latitude: A systematic review and meta-analysis