Temporal trends in suicide among adolescents and young adults in the United States, Canada, and South Korea: 2001–2023

Abstract

Objective

To compare temporal trends in suicide mortality among adolescents (10–19) and young adults (20–29) by sex across the United States, Canada, and South Korea from 2001 to 2023.

Methods

We analyzed national suicide mortality data from South Korea, the United States, and Canada. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate average annual percent changes (AAPCs) and annual percent changes (APCs) and) by age and sex.

Results

Suicide rates declined or stabilized in the U.S. and Canada, except for steady increases among Canadian adolescent females (AAPC = 2.04). Despite these declines, U.S. young males continued to report the highest recent unadjusted suicide rates (28.7 per 100,000 in 2023). In South Korea, rates rose significantly across all groups, with sharp increases among females from 2015 to 2023 (APC = 10.91 for adolescents; APC = 7.42 for young adults).

Conclusion

Youth suicide trends vary across countries and by sex. South Korea's sharp and ongoing rise, especially among young females, highlights the urgent need for prevention strategies attuned to sex, age, and sociocultural context. Ongoing risks among Canadian adolescent females and the U.S. young males also warrant continued investment in targeted, evidence-based interventions.