Effect of the 2004 Tsunami on Suicide Rates in Sri Lanka

Author(s)
Rodrigo, A., McQuillin, A., and Pimm, J.
Publication language
English
Pages
2pp
Date published
01 Jan 2009
Type
Articles
Keywords
Disasters, Tsunamis, Health, Psychosocial support
Countries
Sri Lanka
Link
http://pb.rcpsych.org/content/33/5/179.abstract

AIMS AND METHOD

To investigate the effect of the 2004 tsunami on suicide rates in Sri Lanka. The number of suicides in the 2 years prior to and 1 year after the tsunami were considered for the study. Data from districts affected by the tsunami were compared with those from unaffected districts.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the number of suicides before and following the disaster or between areas affected and unaffected by the tsunami.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Worldwise, the impact of disasters upon suicide rates is variable. It is possible that the tsunami failed to have any profound effect on societal forces affecting suicide rates in Sri Lanka.