Suicide Rates in Scotland During World War II
Author Information
Author(s): Rob Henderson, Cameron Stark, Roger W. Humphry, Sivasubramaniam Selvaraj
Primary Institution: NHS Highland, Department of Public Health
Hypothesis
Are suicide rates in Scotland higher during World War II compared to pre-War and post-War periods?
Conclusion
Suicide rates in Scotland decreased overall during World War II, but the likelihood of suicide was higher among younger men during this time.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall suicide rate for both men and women declined from 1931 to 1952.
- Men aged 15-24 had a peak suicide rate of 148 per million during 1942.
- Suicide rates among men aged 25-34 reached 199 per million in 1943.
Takeaway
During World War II, fewer people overall committed suicide in Scotland, but young men were more likely to take their own lives, especially using guns.
Methodology
Data on suicide deaths from 1931 to 1952 were analyzed using logistic regression to assess the impact of gender, war, and year on suicide rates.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in recording suicide rates during wartime versus peacetime.
Limitations
The study relied on routine data, which may not allow for detailed cross-tabulation of age, gender, and method.
Participant Demographics
Data included all ages and genders in Scotland from 1931 to 1952.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.085
Confidence Interval
(1.036 – 1.137)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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