SUICIDE, INDUCED ABORTION AND STANDARDIZED DEATH RATE IN CROATIA In relation to neighbouring countries: Hungary, Slovenia and Italy.
OBJECTIVE
Suicides and induced abortions are primarily both premature deaths. Standardized death rates often show the certain level of medical standards in the different countries. The aim of this paper was to determine suicide rates in Croatia and its neighbouring countries (Hungary, Slovenia and Italy) associated with induced abortions and standardized death rates Method: It was a register linkage study. Information on suicides of women in Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy were linked with induced abortions and standardized death rates in these countries. Nationwide data in Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy in the period 1996-2002 i.e. the latest available data for each county was used.


RESULTS
There were suicide rates in women: Croatia (2000)-10.3, Hungary (1999)-15.4, Slovenia (1999)-13.4 and Italy (1998)-3.6. There were induced abortions (% of live born children): Croatia (2002)-17.8, Hungary (2002)-69.7, Slovenia (2002)-49.6 and Italy (2002)-24.0. There were standardized death rates (1/10.000 population): Croatia (1998)-113.8, Hungary (1996)-109.3, Slovenia (1996)-109.3 and Italy (1996)-70.7.


CONCLUSIONS
The Croatian suicide rate and induced abortions have been lower than in Hungary and Slovenia. Croatia has been at the last place according to induced abortions but Croatia has been at the first place due to standardized death rates.
Pavlović
Eduard
E
Psychiatric Clinic in Rijeka, KBC Rijeka, Cambierieva 17/7, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia, edopavlovic@net.hr.