An analysis of suicide trends in Scotland 1950-2014: comparison with England & Wales.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Scotland has disproportionately high rates of suicide compared with England. An analysis of trends may help reveal whether rates appear driven more by birth cohort, period or age. A 'birth cohort effect' for England & Wales has been previously reported by Gunnell et al. (B J Psych 182:164-70, 2003). This study replicates this analysis for Scotland, makes comparisons between the countries, and provides information on 'vulnerable' cohorts. METHODS:Suicide and corresponding general population data were obtained from the National Records of Scotland, 1950 to 2014. Age and gender specific mortality rates were estimated. Age, period and cohort patterns were explored graphically by trend analysis. RESULTS:A pattern was found whereby successive male birth cohorts born after 1940 experie

SUBMITTER: Dougall N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5738808 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature