Suicide methods in Europe: a gender-specific analysis of countries participating in the "European Alliance Against Depression". Issue 6 (13th May 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Värnik, A; Kõlves, K; van der Feltz-Cornelis, C M; Marusic, A; Oskarsson, H; Palmer, A; Reisch, T; Scheerder, G; Arensman, E; Aromaa, E; Giupponi, G; Gusmäo, R; Maxwell, M; Pull, C; Szekely, A; Sola, V Pérez; Hegerl, U
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 62:Issue 6(2008)
• Page Start: 545
• Page End: 551
• Publication Date: 2008-05-13
• Subjects: Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2007.065391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To identify the most frequent gender-specific suicide methods in Europe. Design: Proportions of seven predominant suicide methods utilised in 16 countries participating in the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) were reported in total and cross-nationally. Relative risk (RR) relating to suicide methods and gender was calculated. To group countries by pattern of suicide methods, hierarchical clustering was applied. Setting and participants: Data on suicide methods for 119 122 male and 41 338 female cases in 2000–4/5 from 16 EAAD countries, covering 52% of European population were obtained. Results: Hanging was the most prevalent suicide method among both males (54.3%) and females (35.6%). For males, hanging was followed by firearms (9.7%) and poisoning by drugs (8.6%); for females, by poisoning by drugs (24.7%) and jumping from a high place (14.5%). Only in Switzerland did hanging rank as second for males after firearms. Hanging ranked first among females in eight countries, poisoning by drugs in five and jumping from a high place in three. In all countries, males had a higher risk than females of using firearms and hanging and a lower risk of poisoning by drugs, drowning and jumping. Grouping showed that countries might be divided into five main groups among males; for females, grouping did not yield clear results. Conclusions: Research on suicide methods could lead to the development of gender-specific intervention strategies. Nevertheless, other approaches, such as better identification and treatment of mental disorders and the improvement of toxicological aid should be put in place.