Sex-specific analysis of acute alcohol use in suicides and reporting of alcohol as a contributor to suicide deaths in New Zealand 2007-2020: a cross-sectional study of coronial data.

Abstract

Aim: Acute alcohol use (AAU) can increase suicide risk. It is unknown if this effect differs by population sub-group in New Zealand, and what characteristics are associated with alcohol being coded as contributory to death, when AAU is identified. This study aimed to answer: 1) are the characteristics associated with suicide involving AAU different between females and males, and 2) among suicides that involved AAU, what factors are associated with alcohol being coded as a contributory factor?

Method: Secondary analysis was conducted of suicide data from 2007-2020, from the National Coronial Information System. Binomial regression models for females and males were used to estimate sex-specific differences in risk of suicide involving AAU. Poisson regression modelling was used to estimate the relative risk of alcohol being coded as contributory where AAU was identified.

Results: Suicide was more likely to involve AAU among Māori females (adjusted risk ratio [ARR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.68) and Pacific females (ARR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22-2.51), compared to European females. Compared to males who were employed, all other employment statuses had significantly lower risk of suicide that involved AAU. Those who died by hanging (ARR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.92) or firearms (ARR 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.90) were less likely to have alcohol coded as contributory, compared to those who died by poisoning.

Conclusion: Targeted public health interventions designed by and for specific demographic groups (particularly Māori and Pacific females) are needed, alongside universal interventions that address social and structural determinants. Data systems and coding must accurately reflect the association between AAU and suicide in New Zealand.