Male to female sex ratio of suicide rates in two elderly age-bands and socio-economic factors

Abstract

Background: Socio-economic factors may differentially influence suicide rates in different age and sex groups. Methods: The relationship between the male to female sex ratios of suicide rates in the age-bands 65 - 74 years and 75 + years and socio-economic factors was examined in a cross-national study using data from the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. Results: The main findings were: (i) there was a significant positive correlation between the male to female sex ratio of suicide rates in the age-band 65 - 74 years and the Gini coefficient (and almost significant in the age-band 75 + years); and, (ii) there were significant positive correlations between the male to female ..