Key Points

In 2022, Martinique had some of the lowest rates of hospitalization for suicide attempts and suicide mortality in France. Unlike the national trend, the decline in indicators related to suicidal behavior was not significant during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period.

• Hospitalizations for suicide attempts: unlike other departments, including the DROMs, Martinique is the only territory with much higher rates among men (sex ratio greater than 1 between 2010 and 2019). Hospitalization rates for suicide attempts among men were higher than those observed in mainland France between 2013–2015 and in 2019. Unlike at the national level, a decrease in indicators is observed during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, particularly among men. Nevertheless, the characteristics of hospitalizations for suicide attempts in Martinique changed significantly between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, with a higher proportion of women (narrowing the gap from previous years) and patients under the age of 25. The method of suicide has also changed; drug overdose has become the primary method of suicide during the pandemic.

• Suicide mortality: was generally declining over the 2010–2017 period (latest consolidated data available); Martinique had one of the lowest mortality rates in France, similar to the other French overseas departments and regions (DROMs). Suicide mortality was 4 to 5 times higher among men. Martinique stood out for its low proportion of suicides among men over 80 and a low number of suicides among women. As elsewhere, suicide by hanging was the most common method.