Methods and Patterns of Suicide in Trinidad and Tobago
Keith Carrington, Division of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, College of Professional Studies
Abstract
This study used data on suicides from 1998 to 2000 to examine the methods, patterns, and trends of suicide in Trinidad and Tobago. The findings show that males are more likely than females to commit suicide. The most frequent method is by ingesting poison, and most suicides occur in the southern part of the country. This study shows that more individuals in the 26-35 age group commit suicide, and when this age group is combined with the lower age groups together they comprise 47.1% of the cases. Young people are committing suicide in the country. However, this study’s findings contradict other studies that have identified the 15-25 age group as the group most likely to commit suicide. The findings indicate that the suicide problem should be addressed, as suicide is destroying the country’s young during their most productive years.