Trends in Suicide in Lithuania (1984–2003)
Author Information
Author(s): Abdonas Tamosiunas, Regina Reklaitiene, Dalia Virviciute, Diana Sopagiene
Primary Institution: Kaunas University of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the trends in suicide rates and methods among urban populations in Lithuania from 1984 to 2003?
Conclusion
Suicide rates increased significantly among urban men aged 25–64 years in Lithuania throughout the period 1984–2003, whereas among women an increasing but statistically insignificant trend was observed.
Supporting Evidence
- Suicide rates among Lithuanian men increased from 1986 until 1995, followed by a slight decrease.
- The most common methods of suicide among men were hanging, strangulation, and suffocation, accounting for 87.4% of male suicide deaths.
- The study found a significant increase in male suicide rates of 48% from 1994–2003 compared to 1984–1993.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people in Lithuania died by suicide over 20 years and found that more men than women died by suicide, with different methods being used.
Methodology
Data from the regional mortality register were analyzed for suicide deaths among men and women aged 25–64 years in Kaunas city from 1984 to 2003, using age-standardized death rates and joinpoint regression.
Limitations
The study was affected by a change in the ICD classification system in 1998, which may have caused fluctuations in recorded suicide deaths.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on urban men and women aged 25–64 years in Kaunas city, Lithuania.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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