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Economic Cost of Suicide Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Migrants in Australia

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  • Humaira Maheen

    (Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Christopher M. Doran

    (Appleton and Manna Institutes, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Suicide and self-harm pose significant global public health challenges with substantial economic implications. Recent Australian evidence shows considerable variations in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and mortality among culturally and ethnically diverse population groups. This study aims to estimate the associated economic cost of suicide among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants in Australia. Methods: We evaluated the economic impact of suicide by considering the years of life lost, years of productive life lost, and overall economic costs, including direct, indirect, and intangible costs. We used data on suicide deaths in 2020 from the National Coronial Information System. Results: The estimated economic cost associated with 346 suicide deaths among CALD migrants is $2.9 billion (Australian dollars), with an average cost per fatality equivalent to $8.47 million. This estimate varies in the sensitivity analysis from $1.9 billion to $3.9 billion, depending on the average age of fatality, with corresponding average costs of $5.59 million to $11.35 million, respectively. These estimates do not capture costs associated with suicidal behaviours, which may substantially increase the economic burden. Conclusions: The significant economic impacts of CALD migrants’ suicide in Australia highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive national suicide prevention programme tailored for CALD migrant populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Humaira Maheen & Christopher M. Doran, 2025. "Economic Cost of Suicide Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Migrants in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:892-:d:1671073
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher M Doran & Irina Kinchin, 2020. "Economic and epidemiological impact of youth suicide in countries with the highest human development index," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(5), pages 1-11, May.
    2. Yonas Mihtsintu & Keflemariam Yohannes & Arhet Gebrat, 2023. "Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards suicide among immigrants from the horn of Africa in Victoria, Australia," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(6), pages 1510-1519, September.
    3. Alberto Forte & Federico Trobia & Flavia Gualtieri & Dorian A. Lamis & Giuseppe Cardamone & Vincenzo Giallonardo & Andrea Fiorillo & Paolo Girardi & Maurizio Pompili, 2018. "Suicide Risk among Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities: A Literature Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-21, July.
    4. Thi Thu Le Pham & Janneke Berecki-Gisolf & Angela Clapperton & Kerry S. O’Brien & Sara Liu & Katharine Gibson, 2021. "Definitions of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) : A Literature Review of Epidemiological Research in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-23, January.
    5. Irina Kinchin & Christopher M. Doran, 2018. "The Cost of Youth Suicide in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-11, April.
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