International Psychogeriatrics
- International Psychogeriatrics / Volume 22 / Issue 05 / August 2010, pp 727-732
- Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1041610210001110 (About DOI), Published online: 25 May 2010
Research Article
A replication of the relationship between elderly suicide rates and the human development index in a cross-national study
Ajit Shaha1 c1
a1 Ageing, Ethnicity and Mental Health, International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, U.K. and West London Mental Health NHS Trust, London, U.K.
ABSTRACT
Background: A recent cross-national study demonstrated a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped curve) between elderly male suicide rates and the Human Development Index (HDI) fitting the quadratic equation y = a + bx − cx2 where y is the elderly male suicide rate, x is the HDI and a, b and c are constants). This study used only one-year cross-sectional data on suicide rates, and suicide rates can randomly fluctuate year on year.
Methods: A study designed to replicate this curvilinear relationship between elderly suicide rates and the HDI was undertaken by: (i) using one-year average of five years data on suicide rates; and (ii) using more recent data on both elderly suicide rates than used in the previous study. Data were ascertained from the World Health Organization and the United Nations.
Results: There was a significant curvilinear (inverted U-shaped curve) relationship between suicide rates in males aged 65–74 years, males aged 75+ years, females aged 65–74 years and the HDI fitting the quadratic equation y = a + bx − cx2. A similar curvilinear relationship was observed in females aged 75+ years, but the significance level only approached 0.05 level.
Conclusions: The replication of the curvilinear (inverted U-shaped curve) relationship between elderly suicide rates and the HDI by using one-year average of five years data on suicide rates suggests that the observed relationship is robust and accurate.
(Received January 14 2010)
(Revised March 04 2010)
(Revised March 09 2010)
(Accepted March 10 2010)
(Online publication May 25 2010)
Correspondence:
c1 Correspondence should be addressed to: Professor A. Shah, John Connolly Unit, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Uxbridge Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3EU, U.K. Phone: +44 0208 354 8191; Fax +44 0208 354 8307. Email: ajit.shah@wlmht.nhs.uk.
