Gender differences in suicide in Sri Lanka – what does it tell us?

Rikaz Sheriff MBBS MSc Worldwide suicide is more common among males than females [1]. The male to female ratio of suicide among young adults in the United States is as high as 5:1 [1]. In contrast, attempted suicide is more common among females [1, 2]. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘gender paradox’ of suicide and self-harm behaviour [1]. Different theories have been put forward to explain the higher suicide rate among males. These include the finding that worldwide, males tend to use more lethal methods for suicide compared to females; as well as the role of cultural perceptions and gender stereotypes in suicide and self-harm behaviour [1].