Sociodemographic predictors of firearm suicide among older white males

Compared to women, younger males, and other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, white males 65 and over have the highest suicide rates. Using the Mortality Detail Files (1989-1991), this study examined the sociodemographic factors associated with late life firearm (vs other methods) suicide among white males. White males aged 65-84 residing in nonmetropolitan areas who were married, divorced, or widowed and with less than a high school education were significantly more likely to have killed themselves with a firearm than with other methods. Policy initiatives and community interventions should incorporate knowledge of those demographic subgroups most at risk for firearm suicide.