Suicide rate in rural inland Malaga almost five times higher than on Costa del Sol

The suicide rate in rural inland municipalities across Malaga province is almost five times higher than along the Costa del Sol, according to groundbreaking regional research.

A retrospective study - 'Epidemiología del suicidio en la provincia de Málaga (2024): análisis retrospectivo con técnicas de machine learning' - using machine learning techniques analysed 197 suicides recorded across the province in 2024.

While coastal areas accounted for 71.57 per cent of total deaths due to their far larger population density, population-adjusted figures revealed an average rate of 53.79 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the interior, compared with 11.56 on the coast.

In smaller inland villages, individual deaths skew municipal averages significantly. Jimera de Líbar recorded 251.26 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Cútar at 170.36 and Cañete la Real at 126.02.

Men accounted for 89.5 per cent of all provincial cases, with the primary risk profile identified as middle-aged men around 55 years old in rural areas.

Researchers pointed to a complex interplay of risk factors in inland communities, including acute difficulties accessing specialist healthcare, social isolation, economic hardship, ageing populations and the social stigma surrounding mental health support.

Researchers point to an interplay of multiple factors to explain the high rates in interior areas: greater difficulties in accessing specialist mental health services, social isolation, socio-economic factors and the stigma associated with seeking help.

In small municipalities with extremely high rates, they also cite the possible concentration of socio-economic risk, an ageing population and the selective migration of young people.

"Middle-aged adults in interior areas (...) suggest a pattern of rapidly intensifying suicidal behaviour that requires interventions to restrict access to means and strengthen early detection networks in rural contexts," the study states.

The researchers emphasise the urgency of "developing and adapting multi-level prevention strategies that take into account specific local realities and the unique characteristics of each geographical and social context".

The underlying structural factors must be addressed simultaneously: access to services, mental health policies, socio-economic determinants and region-specific cultural aspects such as norms surrounding masculinity, perceptions of stigma and traditional support networks.

The researchers draw particular attention to "implementing specific programmes that take into account the cultural and psychological barriers" that prevent men from seeking help.

If you or someone you know experiences anxiety, loneliness, fear, desperation or simply needs to unburden their problems to someone, the Teléfono y al Chat de la Esperanza in Malaga is always open. Helpline: 952 261 500. Chat application (available for Android and iOS): CONECTATE.SOCIAL.

Telephone 024: the Spanish government's free 24-hour 365-day helpline run by the Red Cross. Real time telephone interpreting service for non-Spanish speakers.

Samaritans in Spain: Free helpline in English for anyone feeling desperate, anxious or alone: Freephone 900 525 100 between 10am and 10pm or email pat@samaritansinspain.com. www.samaritansinspain.com

Anar: Helpline and chat for children and teens (Spanish). 900 202 010 www.anar.org

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