A comparison of Australian suicide rates in 1969-73 and 1976-80

Australian suicide rates were compared for the 1969-73 and 1976-80 periods by age, sex and State. Rates for males were generally at least twice those for females. The sex difference was marked, irrespective of age, State and time period. Middle-aged and older Australians generally had higher rates than 20-29-year-olds, although this finding was not consistent by State for males. The national age-standardised suicide rate for all age groups combined decreased between the 1969-73 period and 1976-80 both for males and (more so) for females. However, there was a 24% increase for 20-29-year-old males. While the suicide rate for 20-29-year-old females decreased between the 1969-73 period and 1976-80, an analysis of yearly trends within the 1976-80 period revealed an upward trend for individuals aged 20-29 years, for both females and males.