Educar para una democracia moral

Abstract

This article describes patterns of suicide and attempted suicide among the indigenous (Măori) population of New Zealand using official data from the New Zealand Health Information Service (NZHIS). The majority of Măori suicides (75%) occurr in young people aged <35 years. Rates of suicide are higher among Măori males and females aged <25 than in their non-Măori peers. Rates of hospitalization for attempted suicides are higher amongst Măori males aged 15-24, compared to non-Măori. In contrast, suicide is virtually unknown amongst older Măori (60 years). This article reviews explanations for the observed rates of suicide in Măori, and examines approaches to effective intervention to reduce rates of suicide in young Măori.