Suicide methods in British Columbian adolescents

All suicides or suspect suicides involving persons under 20 years of age in the Province of British Columbia in 1978 and 1979 were studied. Coroner's files were used to identify 122 cases, of which 11% involved persons under the age of 15 years. Males 15-19 years of age accounted for 80 cases and 52% used a rifle as the means of death; females 15-19 years of age used alcohol and drugs in 54% of all cases. Suicides involving adolescents 15-19 years of age were analyzed by sex, ethnicity, and residence. Native Indians and nonmetropolitan residents were disproportionately represented and were more likely to use a rifle. Females and metropolitan residents were more likely to use methods other than firearms. Alcohol consumption was a feature in 45% of cases, but there was no significant difference between groups based on sex, ethnicity, or residence. Antecedent problems were not identified or recorded in 39% of the male and 31% of the female cases.