Search

Contrary to the common view that older women (65+) in the United States use suicide methods that have relatively low potential for death, firearms have become the most common suicide method in this group. The present study examines the association between demographic and geographic factors and the use of firearms vs other suicide methods. Data were derived from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Detail Files (1989-1991). Results from a logistic regression analysis indicate that among white women 65 and over who died by suicide in 1989-1991, the risk of using firearms varied significantly across demographic and geographic subcategories of the population. The following characteristics among women were significantly more likely to be associated with the use of firearms as a suicide method: ages 65-74, married, of lower educational attainment, in nonmetropolitan areas, and in the South. Research is needed to assess the effects of limiting firearms on the growing proportion of firearm-related suicides among older women.

Data from the Compressed Mortality File for the years 1979 to 1991 were analyzed to determine epidemiologic trends in the rates of suicide by firearms among three age groups of white and black men age 65 and older (65 to 74 years, 75 to 84 years, and 85 years and older). In 1991, among men age 65 and older, firearms accounted for 80 percent of all suicides. Firearm suicide rates increased significantly over time among white men in all three age groups, especially those age 75 and older, and among black men between the ages of 75 and 84. Clinicians should regularly conduct a firearm-availability history with elderly men who are depressed or suicidal.

Elderly men are more likely to commit suicide than any other age group in the United States. Moreover, their rate of suicide steadily increased between 1979 and 1988. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Compressed Mortality data were used to perform an age-specific analysis of linear trends. Males 65 and over were the most likely to use firearms followed by those 55-64. In 1988, nearly 8 out of 10 suicides by males 65 and over were committed with a firearm. Firearm-related suicide rates were much lower for blacks than whites 65 and over; however, suicides among blacks were more likely to involve firearms than among whites in this age group. The authors call for a broad public policy effort directed at reducing the availability of firearms.