[Suicide in Abitibi-Temiscamingue region: epidemiological data for the period of 1992-96]

A permanent register of suicide cases has been established and has made it possible to produce a quantitative description of the suicide phenomenon in Abitibi-Témiscamingue for the period 1992-1996. This study reviews 211 suicide cases reported by the Chief Coroner Office of Quebec. A content analysis grid was applied to the coroners' files and has facilitated the study of 87 variables potentially related to suicide. The results show the evolution of suicide rates in this region in relation to those in other parts of Quebec, and the differences among various parts of the region. Several variables are shown to be significantly related to suicide (sex, age, method used, suicide site, etc.). A review of recent literature on suicide throughout the world indicates that patterns of suicide in Abitibi-Témiscamingue follow present trends in North America and Europe, but with aspects particular to the region.