Subjective wellbeing, suicide and socioeconomic factors: An ecological analysis in Hong Kong
Journal
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
1
Pages
112-130
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Aims. There has recently been an increased interest in mental health indicators for the monitoring of population wellbeing, which is among the targets of Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations. Levels of subjective wellbeing and suicide rates have been proposed as indicators of population mental health, but prior research is limited.Methods. Data on individual happiness and life satisfaction were sourced from a population-based survey in Hong Kong (2011). Suicide data were extracted from Coroner's Court files (2005-2013). Area characteristic variables included local poverty rate and four factors derived from a factor analysis of 21 variables extracted from the 2011 census. The associations between mean happiness and life satisfaction scores and suicide rates were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient at two area levels: 18 districts and 30 quantiles of large street blocks (LSBs; n = 1620). LSB is a small area unit with a higher level of within-unit homogeneity compared with districts. Partial correlations were used to control for area characteristics.Results. Happiness and life satisfaction demonstrated weak inverse associations with suicide rate at the district level (r =-0.32 and-0.36, respectively) but very strong associations at the LSB quantile level (r =-0.83 and-0.84, respectively). There were generally very weak or weak negative correlations across sex/age groups at the district level but generally moderate to strong correlations at the LSB quantile level. The associations were markedly attenuated or became null after controlling for area characteristics.Conclusions. Subjective wellbeing is strongly associated with suicide at a small area level; socioeconomic factors can largely explain this association. Socioeconomic factors could play an important role in determining the wellbeing of the population, and this could inform policies aimed at enhancing population wellbeing. ? 2018 Cambridge University Press.
Subjects
happiness; Hong Kong; life satisfaction; subjective wellbeing; suicide
Other Subjects
adolescent; Article; ecology; female; geography; happiness; Hong Kong; human; life satisfaction; major clinical study; male; population research; poverty; prevalence; psychological well-being; socioeconomics; suicide; adult; age distribution; aged; demography; happiness; health survey; mental disease; mental health; middle aged; poverty; psychology; quality of life; satisfaction; sex ratio; socioeconomics; suicide; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Female; Happiness; Health Surveys; Hong Kong; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction; Population Surveillance; Poverty; Quality of Life; Residence Characteristics; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Suicide; Young Adult
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Type
journal article