title: Prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of self-reported suicidal behaviours in Latvia in 2010: A population-based study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The fact that Latvia is among the countries with the highest suicide mortality rates in the European Union highlights the importance of research in this field.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of the study were to determine the 2010 prevalence of self-reported suicidal behaviours in Latvia, to identify sociodemographic risk factors and to examine sequences for reporting of suicidal behaviours.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computer assisted personal interviews were carried out to gather information on a representative sample of the Latvian population aged 18 to 64 (n = 2816). The study sample was selected using a combination of stratified random sampling and quota methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Last year prevalence of any type of suicidal behaviour was 18.5% - nearly threefold lower than observed in 2000 (52.6%). Middle age, non-cohabitation status and lower level of education were significant risk factors for serious types of suicidal behaviour (suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, suicide attempts) among men, but only lower level of education was for women. Risk factors regarding mild types of suicidal behaviour (life-weariness, death wishes) were the same for men and women: older and middle aged, non-cohabitation status, and lower level of education. A total of 79.6% reported a continuous pattern of suicidal behaviours.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several sociodemographic risk factors for suicidal behaviours have been found. Further research is needed to clarify additional risk factors, especially in the high-risk groups studied and specific determinants contributing to reduction in prevalence of suicidal behaviours and suicide mortality in Latvia.
authors.affiliation: a Riga Stradiņš University , Department of Psychiatry and Narcology , Latvia .
authors.forename: Elmārs
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rancāns
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia , Department of Research, Statistics and Health Promotion , Latvia .
authors.forename: Toms
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pulmanis
authors.affiliation: a Riga Stradiņš University , Department of Psychiatry and Narcology , Latvia .|c National Health Service , Latvia , and.
authors.forename: Māris
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taube
authors.affiliation: d Riga Stradiņš University , Department of Public Health and Epidemiology , Latvia.
authors.forename: Lauma
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Spriņǵe
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia , Department of Research, Statistics and Health Promotion , Latvia .
authors.forename: Biruta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Velika
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia , Department of Research, Statistics and Health Promotion , Latvia .
authors.forename: Iveta
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pudule
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia , Department of Research, Statistics and Health Promotion , Latvia .
authors.forename: Daiga
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grīnberga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007844:Latvia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Behaviours; Latvia; gender; population; suicide