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The temporal distribution of black suicides
John L McIntosh1, David Lester
1Indiana University South Bend, USA.
Psychological Reports
|January 16, 2004
Summary
Suicides among white and black individuals peaked on Mondays between 1998 and 2002. However, this Monday peak was less pronounced for black suicides compared to white suicides.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicide is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding temporal patterns in suicide can inform prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the weekly patterns of suicide across different racial groups.
- To compare the prominence of Monday suicide peaks between white and black populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of suicide data from 1998-2002.
- Examination of suicide occurrences by day of the week.
- Stratification of data by race (white and black).
Main Results:
- Both white and black groups exhibited a peak in suicides on Mondays.
- The Monday peak was less pronounced in the black suicide group compared to the white suicide group.
Conclusions:
- A weekly pattern exists for suicides, with Mondays being the highest risk day for both racial groups studied.
- Racial disparities may influence the intensity of this weekly suicide pattern.