Citation

Rancans E, Salander Renberg E, Jacobsson L. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 2001; 103(4): 275-281.

Affiliation

Riga Psychoneurological Hospital, Riga, Latvia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11328241

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyse the dynamics of suicide rates in Latvia 1980-98, when dramatic social and economical changes took place. Special attention is given to demographic risk groups and major socioeconomic correlates influencing the dynamics of suicide rates. METHOD: Descriptive statistics of suicide rates and major social and economical correlates. RESULTS: During 1980-98 there were rapid swings of suicide rates. The increase was generated mainly by males reaching a maximum of 72 per 100 000 population in 1993. The sudden drop in gross domestic product, the rapid increase in first-time alcohol psychosis and the percentage of people unemployed did not correspond strictly with the dynamics of suicide rates. CONCLUSION: Demographic and socioeconomic factors could not explain sufficiently the rapid changes in suicide rates in Latvia during the years 1980-98; psychological factors also have to be considered.

Language: en