Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which demographic has the highest death by suicide rates in Canada?

1. Middle-aged adults

2. Teenagers

3. Young adults

4. Older adults

The correct answer is: Teenagers

The demographic with the highest death by suicide rates in Canada is middle-aged adults. This group, particularly individuals aged 40 to 59, has consistently shown elevated rates of suicide compared to other age groups. Factors contributing to these high rates often include mental health issues, societal pressures, and life stressors such as the loss of employment, relationship difficulties, and health-related problems. While teenagers and young adults do face significant mental health challenges and may experience higher incidences of suicidal ideation or attempts, the actual rates of death by suicide tend to be lower in these age categories when compared to middle-aged adults. Older adults also experience mental health crises and suicides, often linked to isolation, health deterioration, and the grief of losing loved ones, but their rates are again typically not as high as those seen in middle-aged adults. Understanding these patterns is critical for healthcare professionals to target interventions and support appropriately.