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Time trends in suicide mortality in Lithuania
1Department of Social Medicine, Kaunas Medical University, Lithuania.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|July 17, 1999
Summary
Lithuanian suicide rates nearly doubled between 1970-1995, with significant age, period, and birth cohort effects observed. Future decreases in suicide rates are unlikely, indicating persistent public health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Demography
Background:
- Suicide rates in Lithuania have shown concerning trends.
- Understanding the influence of age, period, and birth cohort is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze suicide time trends in Lithuania from 1970 to 1995.
- To evaluate the impact of age, period, and birth cohort as risk factors for suicide mortality.
Main Methods:
- Logarithmic regression analysis was used to determine suicide trends and average annual changes.
- A log-linear regression model was employed to assess age, period, and cohort effects on suicide mortality.
Main Results:
- Age-standardized suicide rates in Lithuania nearly doubled between 1970 and 1995.
- Increased suicides were noted in specific male birth cohorts (1910-1950, post-1965) and female birth cohorts (1905-1925, post-1970).
- Period effects were dominant in males, while cohort effects were dominant in females.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that suicide rates in Lithuania are unlikely to decline in the immediate future.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay of demographic factors influencing suicide trends.