Association of suicide rates of elderly persons with fertility rates.
A negative correlation between societal suicide rates and social integration has been reported, but rarely specifically examined for suicide rates of the elderly although suicide rates of elderly persons are among the highest. The associations of suicide rates of elderly persons and fertility rates for 81 countries were examined using data from the World Health Organisation and United Nations. Fertility rates were considered a proxy measure for social integration. Multiple regression analysis indicated that suicide rates for males and females in the age bands 65-74 years and 75+ years were independently (negative) correlated with fertility rates. Fertility rates, as a measure of social integration, may interact with, modify and mediate the effect of cultural factors on suicide rates of elderly persons.
University of Central Lancashire, Preston. ajit.shah@wlmht.nhs.uk
Ajit
A
Shah
D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001723:Birth Rate / Q000639:trends*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003469:Culture; D019049:Developed Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D014480:United Nations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014944:World Health Organization