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Attempted suicide in the Perth Statistical Division 1971-1972
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|December 1, 1975
Summary
Attempted suicide rates in Perth doubled between 1961 and 1971-72, with females experiencing a larger increase. Immigrant males had higher rates than Australian-born males, and significant variations were observed among different immigrant groups.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicide attempts represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing suicide attempts is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous studies have indicated variations in suicide attempt rates across different populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and demographic patterns of attempted suicides in the Perth Statistical Division between 1971-72.
- To compare suicide attempt rates between Australian-born individuals and immigrant groups, considering sex and specific ethnic backgrounds.
- To investigate potential differences in rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of attempted suicide data from the Perth Statistical Division for the 1971-72 period.
- Calculation of average annual rates per 10,000 population for males and females.
- Age standardization to compare rates between Australian-born and immigrant populations, including specific immigrant groups.
- Comparison of rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals, with noted limitations.
Main Results:
- The average annual attempted suicide rate was 8.5 per 10,000 for males and 20.3 for females.
- A doubling of the attempted suicide rate was observed since 1961, with a more pronounced increase in females.
- Age-standardized rates for immigrant males were higher than for Australian-born males, but this was not observed for females.
- Significant differences in rates were found among various immigrant groups for both sexes.
- A higher rate was indicated for Aboriginal compared to non-Aboriginal individuals, though data validity concerns were raised.
Conclusions:
- Attempted suicide rates in Perth have significantly increased, particularly among females.
- Immigration status is associated with differential risk for attempted suicide, especially in males.
- Further research is needed to validate Aboriginal suicide attempt data and understand contributing factors.