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Factors Affecting Suicide in Young, Middle-Aged and Elderly Men

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

S. Araki
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Medical College of Oita, Hazama-cho, Oita, Japan
K. Murata
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Medical College of Oita, Hazama-cho, Oita, Japan

Summary

The effects of socioeconomic and geographical factors on age-specific mortality by suicide in men were assessed in 46 Japanese prefectures (counties) by stepwise regression analysis twice at 5-year intervals, before and after a serious economic crisis. The following factors were significantly related to the mortality in the two years: (1) the proportion of old and young men in the population for young men; (2) low income for middle-aged men; and (3) rural residence for elderly men. The mortality significantly increased after the crisis in young and middle-aged men, while no significant alteration was observed in elderly men. It is suggested that young and middle-aged men are more sensitive to socioeconomic changes in society while elderly men are mainly affected by the factor of rural residence.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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