Sex-specific suicide trends in Canada, 1971-1985.
The present study analysed changes in sex-specific suicide rates in Canada from 1971 to 1985. A significant increase in the male-to-female ratio of suicide rates was observed. Our analysis of sex-specific age-adjusted rates revealed that this increasing ratio was a function of both increasing male rates and decreasing female rates, but that the latter was more marked. This divergence of male and female rates within the last decade and a half parallels similar changes noted both in the US and in the majority of European countries, but contrasts with a pattern of converging rates throughout North America and much of Europe prior to 1970.
Huchcroft
S A
SA
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Oncology, Alberta Cancer Board, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Canada.
Tanney
B L
BL
D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000453:epidemiology*