Firearms and Suicide in Australia

1990 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 500-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher H. Cantor ◽  
Terry Lewin
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Regional Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cultural Attitudes ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Firearm Suicide ◽  
Proportional Increase ◽  
Using Data

Australia has a moderate overall suicide rate but an extremely high male firearm suicide rate. Using data covering the years 1961–1985, a series of multiple regression based analyses were performed. During this period, overall suicide rates fell but firearm suicides remained constant with a resulting increase in the proportion of suicides by firearms. There has been an increase in suicides in the young offset by a decline in the elderly. Young males showed the greatest proportional increase in the use of firearms. A limited regional analysis supported the hypothesis that lack of legislative restrictions on long guns in Queensland with a greater household prevalence of such weapons and different cultural attitudes were associated with higher overall and firearm suicide rates. Such findings are consistent with reports from North America, although trends in Australia are more modest. Reducing the availability and cultural acceptance of firearms is likely to decrease suicide rates, especially in males.

Rural and Urban Suicide in South Korea

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. C. Ben Park ◽  
David Lester
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Rural And Urban

Suicide rates in 2005 in South Korea were higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Those in rural areas more often used pesticides and chemicals as a method for suicide, and there was a greater proportion of men and the elderly, both groups at higher risk for suicide in South Korea. These three factors may account for the high rural suicide rate in South Korea.

Association of Suicide Rates of Elderly Persons with Fertility Rates

2008 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit Shah
Keyword(s):  
Social Integration ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Using Data

A negative correlation between societal suicide rates and social integration has been reported, but rarely specifically examined for suicide rates of the elderly although suicide rates of elderly persons are among the highest. The associations of suicide rates of elderly persons and fertility rates for 81 countries were examined using data from the World Health Organisation and United Nations. Fertility rates were considered a proxy measure for social integration. Multiple regression analysis indicated that suicide rates for males and females in the age bands 65–74 years and 75+ years were independently (negative) correlated with fertility rates. Fertility rates, as a measure of social integration, may interact with, modify and mediate the effect of cultural factors on suicide rates of elderly persons.

Suicide Rates in Canada before and after Tightening Firearm Control Laws

1993 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 787-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Lester ◽  
Antoon Leenaars
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Gun Control ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Control Laws ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Firearm Suicide ◽  
Firearm Control ◽  
Methods Of Suicide

In Canada, Bill C-51 was implemented in 1977 to restrict the use of firearms, providing a good opportunity to study the effects of gun control laws in the use of firearms for suicide. The present study examined the use of guns for suicide during the period prior to the bill and during the period after the passing of Bill C-51 to assess the association of the bill with suicide rates. Analysis showed a significant decreasing trend after passage of Bill C-51 on the firearm suicide rate in Canada and the percentage of suicides using firearms. The analysis supports the position that restricting easy access to lethal methods of suicide may assist in reducing suicide.

Suicides in Hong Kong and Australia

Crisis ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul SF Yip
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Gender Ratio ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Male Suicide ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Specific ◽  
Methods Of Suicide

Although the suicide rate for both Hong Kong and Australia was about 12 per 100,000 in 1994, the age- and gender-specific rates, methods of suicide, and time trends vary greatly for these two places. This paper explores the possible social, economic, and cultural background to explain this discrepancy. We used the official suicide death statistics of Hong Kong and Australia for the period 1984-1994. We calculated age-standardized suicide rates in order to take into account the differences in the age composition between the two countries and years. We employed a log-linear (Poisson) model to detect the age- and gender-specific trends, and to determine whether there were specific age or gender groups whose suicide behavior had changed significantly between 1984 and 1994. Hong Kong experienced a slight increase in suicide rate for both genders in the years 1984-1994, whereas Australia experienced a cubic trend for both genders during the same period and a rise in suicide rate in recent years. The suicide rate in Hong Kong increased with age, with a sharp increase (nearly four times the average) among the group aged 75 or over. A relatively low gender ratio (male:female) was also observed in Hong Kong, whereas in Australia there was not much difference in suicide rates among all age groups, though the suicide rate of the group aged 75 or over was 1.2 times the average. The gender ratio in Australia was higher, and the male suicide rate was four times higher than that of females. The Hong Kong suicide rate in females was twice that of Australia, whereas the Hong Kong male suicide rate was about half that of Australia. Jumping and hanging were the most common methods of suicide in Hong Kong, accounting for more than 80% of all suicide deaths. Poisoning (including gas poisoning) was the most common method used in Australia, with firearms being more common among young males. Australia had a higher years of potential life lost (YPLL) than Hong Kong because of the higher suicide rate among young males (aged 15-24). The high suicide rate among the elderly in Hong Kong raises the possibility that medical and social support to the elderly could be enhanced. The high female suicide rate in Hong Kong could be related to workload, responsibility, and expectations. The high suicide rate in Australia among males aged 15-24 was disturbing. Availability of the suicide methods is certainly one explanation for the difference in suicide methods used in Hong Kong and Australia.

The Association between Firearm Control Policies and Firearm Suicide among Men: A State-Level Age-Stratified Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-258
Author(s):  
Carol Leung ◽  
Mark S Kaplan ◽  
Ziming Xuan
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
State Level ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Gun Control ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Control Policies ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Firearm Suicide ◽  
Firearm Control

Abstract This study examined the association between state-specific firearm control policies and firearm suicide rates among men after adjusting for state-level demographics. This cross-sectional study used state-level mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System and the Brady Campaign State Scorecard in 2017. An age-stratified (15–24 years, 25–44 years, 45–64 years, and ≥ 65 years) multivariable analysis was conducted to identify gun control policies that are associated with firearm suicide rates among men in each age group. Results indicate that the associations of specific firearm control policies and firearm suicide rates differ across the age span. In particular, more policies (for example, dealer regulations and waiting periods) are negatively associated with firearm suicide rate among men 15 to 24 years of age. The findings underscore the importance of designing gender- and age-specific policy advocacy programs directed at lowering the rate of firearm suicide. This study also suggests that California, known for its innovative gun safety legislation efforts, could serve as a model for other states starting preventive programs to reduce the firearm suicide rate. Implications of the findings for social work practice are discussed.

Suicide in centenarians: the international landscape

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1703-1708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit Shah ◽  
Sofia Zarate-Escudero ◽  
Ravi Bhat ◽  
Diego De Leo ◽  
Annette Erlangsen
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Using Data ◽  
E Mail

ABSTRACTBackground.The elderly population size is growing worldwide due increased life expectancy and decreased mortality in the elderly. This has lead to an increase in the number of centenarians, and their numbers are predicted to increase further. Little is known about suicide rates in centenarians.Methods.Data on the number of suicides (ICD-10 codes, X60–84) in centenarians of both gender for as many years as possible from 2000 were ascertained from three sources: colleagues, national statisics office websites and e-mail contact with the national statistics offices of as many countries as possible. The number of centernarians for the corresponding years was estimated for each country using data provided by the United Nations website.Results.Data were available from 17 countries. The suicide rate was 57 (95% confidence interval 45–69) per 100, 000 person years in men and 6.8 (95% confidence interval 5.1–8.5) per 100,000 person years in women.Conclusions.Suicide rates were sufficiently large amongst centenarians for there to constitute a public health concern given the anticipated rise in the centenarian population and the paucity of data on risk and protective factors for suicide in this age group.

scholarly journals Suicide Mortality in the Americas. Regional Report 2010–2014

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
North America ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Suicide Mortality ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Hispanic Caribbean

Suicide is a serious public health problem surrounded by stigma, myths, and taboos. With an annual average of 81,746 suicide deaths in the period 2010–2014 and an age-adjusted suicide rate of 9.3 per 100,000 population (age-unadjusted rate of 9.6), suicide continues to be a public health problem of great relevance in the Region of the Americas. Contrary to common belief, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based, and often low-cost interventions. It is estimated that for each suicide that occurs, there are more than 20 attempts. Suicide can occur at any age and it is the third highest cause of death among young people between the ages of 20 and 24 in the Region of the Americas. This report corresponds to the five-year period between 2010 and 2014. It provides a general description of suicide mortality in the Americas, by subregions and countries. It analyzes the distribution of suicide according to age, sex, and methods used, along with the changes in suicide from 2010 to 2014. This report is limited to the study of mortality as, in most countries, no record of self-harm exists, due to lack of appropriate surveillance systems. In the period 2010–2014, 55.8% of suicide deaths in the Region occurred in North America. The age-adjusted suicide rate was also highest in North America (12.8 per 100,000 population), which along with the non-Hispanic Caribbean (9.8) was higher than the regional rate, while the other two subregions had rates lower than the regional rate (6.7 in Central America, the Hispanic Caribbean, and Mexico; 6.9 in South America). In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is essential that national suicide prevention programs be developed, especially in those countries with higher suicide rates. This report identifies 12 countries in the Region of the Americas with high suicide rates compared with the regional average and where two-thirds of the suicide deaths are concentrated. Strengthening information systems and surveillance of suicidal behavior is required. Improving mortality registries alone is not enough. It is also necessary to develop registries of suicidal behavior and implement follow-up mechanisms in high-risk cases. This report identifies the most frequent suicide methods. The availability of firearms is an important risk factor, particularly in North America. Access to pesticides in rural areas is another risk factor, especially in the non-Hispanic

scholarly journals Gun Violence Restraining Order Laws and Firearm Suicide among Older Adults: A Longitudinal State-Level Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Altaf Saadi ◽  
Kristen R Choi ◽  
Sae Takada ◽  
Fred J. Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
State Level ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Gun Violence ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Gun Laws ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Background: Older adults commit suicide at a disproportionately higher rate compared to the general population, with firearms the most common means of suicide. State gun laws may be a policy remedy. Less is known about Gun Violence Restricting Order (GVRO) laws, which allow for removal of firearms from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, and their effects on suicide rates among older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of state firearm laws with the incidence of firearm, non-firearm-related, and total suicide among older adults, with a focus on GVRO laws. Methods: This is a longitudinal study of US states using data from 2012 to 2016. The outcome variables were firearm, non-firearm and total suicide rates among older adults. Predictor variables were (1) total number of gun laws to assess for impact of overall firearm legislation at the state level, and (2) GVRO laws. Results: The total number of firearm laws, as well as GVRO laws, were negatively associated with firearm-related suicide rate among older adults (p<0.001). There was a small but significant positive association of total number of firearm laws to non-firearm-related suicide rates and a negative association with total suicide rate. GVRO laws were not significantly associated with non-firearm-related suicide and were negatively associated with total suicide rate. Conclusion: Stricter firearm legislation, as well as GVRO laws, are protective against firearm-relate suicides among older adults.

Effect of Using Age-Adjusted Suicide Rates on the Results of Time-Series Analyses of the Suicide Rate

1992 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 310-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Lester ◽  
Yutaka Motohashi
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Time Series Analyses ◽  
Using Data

Using data from Motohashi, differences in results of time-series analyses of crude and age-adjusted suicide rates in Japan were observed.

Suicide in the United Kingdom and Ireland

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 300-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Lester ◽  
CH Cantor ◽  
AA Leenaars
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
The Other ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Male Suicide ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Epidemiological Trends

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to compare epidemiological trends in suicide for the three regions of the United Kingdom (England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland) and for Ireland from 1960 to 1990. The data on suicide rates were obtained from the World Health Organization statistical base, supplemented by data from the statistical offices of the four regions. While the suicide rates in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland increased during the period under study, English/Welsh suicide rates first declined and then held steady. In Ireland, both male and female suicide rates increased, whereas in the other regions only male suicide rates rose. According to age, in England and Wales, suicide rates rose for male teenagers and young males, while for the other regions male suicide rates increased in general for all age groups. Social indicators (unemployment, marriage and birth rates) were quite successful in predicting male suicide rates in all four regions and in predicting female suicide rates in England and Wales and in Ireland. The results emphasize the importance of studying several regions in epidemiological studies in order to identify which trends are general and which are unique to one nation. In the present study, the epidemiological trends for suicide in England and Wales were quite different from those in the other three regions. In particular, the steady overall suicide rate in England and Wales and the rising suicide rate for young males alone differ from the trends observed in the other regions and raise importante questions about the causes of the social suicide rate in these four regions.

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