A comparison of Australian suicide rates in 1969-73 and 1976-80.
Australian suicide rates were compared for the 1969-73 and 1976-80 periods by age, sex and State. Rates for males were generally at least twice those for females. The sex difference was marked, irrespective of age, State and time period. Middle-aged and older Australians generally had higher rates than 20-29-year-olds, although this finding was not consistent by State for males. The national age-standardised suicide rate for all age groups combined decreased between the 1969-73 period and 1976-80 both for males and (more so) for females. However, there was a 24% increase for 20-29-year-old males. While the suicide rate for 20-29-year-old females decreased between the 1969-73 period and 1976-80, an analysis of yearly trends within the 1976-80 period revealed an upward trend for individuals aged 20-29 years, for both females and males.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014478:Unemployment