Suicide rates in Australia declining and methods changing

January 01, 0001

Suicide rates in Australia declining and methods changing

The aim of this study by researchers from Sydney, Australia was to examine the changes in rates of methods of suicide in Australian states and territories between 1988 and 2007. Meta-analysis of suicide mortality rates and suicide methods (hanging, shooting, gassing, poisoning, jumping from a height, drowning, use of a sharp implement) for males and females in Australian states and territories in the decades 1988-1997 and 1998-2007.

There was a decline in rates of shooting, gassing, poisoning and drowning in males and a decline in shooting, gassing, jumping from a height and drowning among females, but an increase in hanging by both males and females in the decade 1998-2007 when the compared to 1988-1997. There was significant variation in the rates of and trends in methods of suicide between the states and territories of Australia between 1988-1997 and 1998-2007.

The researchers concluded: "The decline in rates of suicide in most parts of Australia coincides with a reduction in the availability of lethal methods. Consideration should be given to further measures to limit the availability of lethal methods of suicide."

Based on the time-frame, this appears to support gun control in Australia.


For the full abstract, click here.

MJA 192(8):432-437, 19 April 2010 © The Medical Journal of Australia 2010
Suicide in Australia: meta-analysis of rates and methods of suicide between 1988 and 2007. Matthew M Large and Olav B Nielssen. Correspondence to Matthew Large: [email protected]

Category: P. Psychological, Z. Social Problems. Keywords: suicide, Australia, rates, methods, meta analysis, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Melbourne, Australia. Posted on Global Family Doctor 30 April 2010

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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