OBJECTIVETo understand the specific patterns of suicide in Chinese population and its trend.

METHODSThe mortality level and trend of suicide in Chinese population by sex, age and areas were reviewed and the geographic distribution of suicide mortality was described using National Disease Surveillance Data in 1991 - 2000.

RESULTSDuring 1991 - 2000, the mortality rate of suicide was stable. Suicide was still one of the main health problems in Chinese population, especially in rural areas. The pattern of suicide in rural areas remained the same as reported before. The death rate of suicide attempts in female was higher than in male. There was a peak of death rate among rural people aged 15 - 34. However the death rate among rural women aged 15 - 34 was falling, which did not significantly affect the current suicide pattern.

CONCLUSIONSThere was high death rate of suicide in eastern and central rural areas, especially in boundaries among provinces, which could have been related to traditional culture, economic situation etc. Using pesticide as a tool of suicide was also an important factor with high death rate of suicide. These findings suggested that the specific pattern would last for another 20 years along with the social development and reform.