Descriptive epidemiology of suicide attempts and suicide in the remote villages of French Guiana

Objective

The overall rate of suicide in French Guiana is estimated at 6 per 100,000, a rate that is lower than in mainland France. Given the frequent reports of suicide in Amerindian communities, our hypothesis was that this figure fails to capture a more contrasted reality. Our objective was to refine estimates and determine suicide rates in remote villages of French Guiana.

Methods

We included patients for whom a suicide attempt or suicide was mentioned in medical records. The Health centers were grouped into two zones according to geographical remoteness.

Results

The highest suicide rates observed in the remote Amerindian villages of Camopi and Trois Sauts were, respectively, 118 and 78/100,000. The median age at the time of suicide was significantly younger in remote zones [23 years (95% CI 21.59–25.06)] than in non-remote zones—[27 years (95% CI 24.47–29.31)]. The most frequent methods were hanging (78%) and intoxication (22%).

Conclusions

The suicide rate in remote areas in French Guiana was eight times higher than in France. The suicide of young people in remote areas in French Guiana and specifically in Amerindian villages must be better understood and prevented with contextualized and adapted care.