Cross-national comparison of three latent classes of young men who attempted suicide in China and Britain

Abstract

Background Suicide attempts are critical predictors of suicide. Developing typologies of suicide attempt may indicate new prevention strategies, which have not been investigated by comparing developed and developing countries. Therefore, we aim to compare the relationship between suicide attempt and mental disorder and develop a typology of suicide attempts among Chinese and British young men. Methods Cross-national surveys of 2046 British and 4238 Chinese men aged 18 − 34 years old in households, 2011—2013. Hierarchical multinomial regression models were used to investigate associated factors. Latent class analysis (LCA) to identify homogeneous subgroups. Results Prevalence of suicide attempt was higher among Chinese (8.3%, 95% CI: 7.4%−9.2%) than British men (6.6%, 95% CI: 5.5%−7.7%) (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.57, p = 0.025). Depression was not independently associated with suicide attempts among Chinese men, while anxiety played a vital role in both countries. Three latent classes identified a subgroup more prevalent among Chinese men featuring weakened social bonds in the absence of mental disorder, and another subgroup more prevalent among British men characterizing impulsivity, childhood maltreatment, substance misuse, and chaotic lifestyles. Conclusions Further research could test the clinical applicability of this typology in the assessment of men at risk of future suicide and choice of treatment and preventive interventions. Because Class 2 featured by weakened social bonds is more prevalent among Chinese men, research could stablish whether recent improvements in access to crisis services in China have been effective.