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New Zealand suicides 1984-8
C S Thomas1, D A Read, G W Mellsop
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|June 24, 1992
Summary
Suicide rates varied regionally in New Zealand. Northland-Auckland had the highest overall and prison suicide rates, while Wellington-Wairarapa had the highest inpatient suicide rate, suggesting disparities in psychiatric care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Suicide remains a significant public health concern with potential regional variations.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional disparities in suicide rates across New Zealand.
- To specifically examine suicide rates among inpatients and prisoners.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of suicide cases from 1984-1988 using coroners' registers.
- Data collected included demographics, method, date, location, occupation, and inpatient/prisoner status.
Main Results:
- A total of 2019 suicides were recorded between 1984 and 1988.
- Males predominated, with hanging being the most common method.
- Northland-Auckland exhibited the highest regional and prison suicide rates, whereas Wellington-Wairarapa had the lowest regional and prison rates but the highest inpatient suicide rate.
Conclusions:
- Higher rates in Northland-Auckland may be linked to the presence of New Zealand's largest city.
- The elevated inpatient suicide rate in Wellington-Wairarapa, unexplained by regional factors or admission numbers, suggests potential differences in psychiatric care delivery.