A comparison of suicide rates between older adults in Ireland and the UK: 1975-2005.
BACKGROUND
In recent years suicide among older adults has been increasing internationally. The suicide rate among older adults in Ireland is no exception.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study was to report the rate of suicide among older adults in Ireland and to compare these rates to those of the UK.


METHODS
Suicide rates from 1975-2005 for older adults in both Ireland and the UK were obtained and compared.


RESULTS
Suicide rates among older adults in Ireland are increasing, while for that same period suicide rates among older adults in the UK are decreasing.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased consumption of alcohol in Ireland compared to the UK as well as a higher prevalence of depression among older people in Ireland may account for the observed difference. Findings have implications for suicide prevention in Ireland.
Power
L
L
Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co.Wicklow, Ireland. Lorna_power@hotmail.com
Brophy
J
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
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