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Sex-specific trends in suicide method, Canada, 1971-1985
Summary
Canadian suicide rates diverged between 1971-1985. Declining female poisoning deaths and increasing male hanging deaths significantly impacted these trends, highlighting method-specific changes in suicide demographics.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Demographics
Background:
- Sex-specific suicide rates in Canada showed divergence between 1971 and 1985.
- Male suicide rates increased while female rates decreased during this period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in sex- and method-specific suicide rates.
- To associate these changes with overall sex-specific suicide rate trends.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linear regression techniques.
- Analyzed sex- and method-specific suicide rates in Canada from 1971-1985.
Main Results:
- Declining rates of poisoning by solid or liquid substances explained 92% of the variability in overall female suicide rates.
- Increasing rates of hanging, strangulation, and suffocation explained 65% of the change in overall male suicide rates.
Conclusions:
- Method-specific trends are key drivers of diverging sex-specific suicide rates.
- Poisoning and hanging represent critical methods influencing Canadian suicide rate changes.