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The possible evidence for an epidemiological transition hypothesis for elderly suicides
1Institute for Philosophy, Diversity and Mental Health, International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion, University of Central Lancashire, Preston and West London Mental Health NHS Trust, London, U.K. ajit.shah@wlmht.nhs.uk
International Psychogeriatrics
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Elderly suicide rates show an inverted U-shaped relationship with socioeconomic status, as measured by gross national domestic product (GDP). This finding supports the epidemiological transition hypothesis for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- The epidemiological transition hypothesis offers a framework for understanding variations in elderly suicide rates.
- It proposes an inverted U-shaped relationship between elderly suicide rates and socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesized curvilinear relationship between elderly suicide rates and socioeconomic status.
- To test the epidemiological transition hypothesis using gross national domestic product (GDP) as a proxy for socioeconomic status.
Main Methods:
- Utilized World Health Organization data for cross-national analysis.
- Employed a curve estimation regression model to examine the relationship between GDP and elderly suicide rates.
- Analyzed data for age groups 65-74 and 75+ years, across both sexes.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship was observed between GDP and elderly suicide rates for all analyzed groups (p<0.05).
- The findings align with the quadratic equation proposed by the epidemiological transition hypothesis.
Conclusions:
- The study provides preliminary support for the epidemiological transition hypothesis regarding elderly suicide rates.
- Further longitudinal research is recommended to validate these findings, particularly in developing countries.
- Caution is advised due to the use of cross-sectional, ecological data.
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