In the general population of Singapore the mean annual suicide rate over 1985–88 was highest in the Indians (20.4 per 100 000), followed by Chinese (15.8 per 100 000), and the Malays (2.4 per 100 000). However, in the elderly population (65 years and over) the rate was highest in the Chinese (61.2 per 100 000) with Indians second (30.5 per 100 000), and Malays still the lowest (3.2 per 100 000). Among elderly Chinese, women had a higher suicide rate than men.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1992), 160, 558–559

Data on 9235 persons who had attempted suicide and been admitted to hospital over an eight-year period showed that a female:male ratio of 4:1 in young subjects gradually decreased with age; from the age of 79, the number of men slightly exceeded the number of women. More than half the attempts were made by people aged under 24, and the same proportion was unmarried. Attempts occurred mainly after 2 p.m., with the maximum frequency between 8 p.m. and midnight; over the week, the smallest number was on Saturdays. There was a slight seasonal variation, with the highest number in March and the lowest in August.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1992), 160, 560–562