Impact of Social and Material Deprivation on Suicide Rates in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Stephanie Burrows, Nathalie Auger, Philippe Gamache, Danielle St-Laurent, Denis Hamel
Primary Institution: Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the relationship between individual social and material disadvantage and suicide mortality in Canada, and whether these relationships are modified by area deprivation.
Conclusion
Individual disadvantage is linked to higher suicide mortality, particularly among males, with limited evidence that area deprivation modifies this relationship.
Supporting Evidence
- 260,820 deaths occurred during the study period, with 4,000 classified as suicides.
- Suicide risk was particularly high among individuals who were unemployed or had low education.
- Associations between individual disadvantage and suicide were similar across both sexes.
Takeaway
People who are not married, have low income, or are unemployed are more likely to commit suicide, especially in areas where many people are also struggling.
Methodology
The study used Cox proportional hazard models to analyze data from the Canadian Census Mortality Follow-up Study cohort.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include unmeasured area factors and the inability to account for self-selection of individuals into areas.
Limitations
The study could not adjust for certain covariates like substance use or psychiatric illness, and results may not generalize to younger adults or those in the Territories.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included approximately 15% of the Canadian non-institutionalized population aged 25+ years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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