Racial disparities in suicide-related mortality in the US: Examining trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the CDC WONDER database.

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in suicide-related mortality remain a critical public health concern in the U.S. Mental health and socioeconomic inequities, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, may have disrupted existing trends. This study examines suicide mortality from 2018 to 2023, focusing on racial group shifts before, during, and after the pandemic.

METHODS

Mortality data were obtained from the CDC WONDER database. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 persons among different racial groups were calculated for three periods: pre-pandemic (2018-2019), pandemic peak (2020-2021), and post-pandemic (2022-2023). Percent change in AAMR was used to assess the change across the periods.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2023, 289,391 suicide-related deaths were reported, with most among Non-Hispanic (NH) White individuals (77.10 %). NH American Indian or Alaska Native individuals had the highest AAMR (24.68), while NH Asians had the lowest (6.67). During the pandemic, AAMR increased most in NH American Indian (16.62 %) and NH Black individuals (12.20 %). Post-pandemic, the highest rise was among NH Blacks (9.30 %). Firearms were the most common suicide method, while drowning and submersion were the least common.

CONCLUSION

Suicide mortality trends varied significantly by race during and after the pandemic, with underserved groups facing a higher burden. Targeted mental health strategies and equitable socioeconomic support are essential to mitigate these disparities.