Preference of lethal methods is not the only cause for higher suicide rates in males

Abstract 

Background

In most countries worldwide suicide rates are higher for males whereas attempted suicide rates are higher for females. The aim is to investigate if the choice of more lethal methods by males explains gender differences in suicide rates.

Methods

Data on completed and attempted suicides were collected (n=3235, Nuremberg and Wuerzburg, years 2000–2004). The research question was analyzed by comparing the method-specific case fatality (= completed suicides/completed+attempted suicides) for males and females.

Results

Among the events captured, men chose high-risk methods like hanging significantly more often than women (φ=−0.27; p<0.001). However, except for drowning, case fatalities were higher for males than for females within each method. This was most apparent in “hanging” (men 83.5%, women 55.3%; φ=−0.28; p<0.001) and “poisoning by drugs” (men 7.2%, women 3.4%; φ=−0.09; p<0.001).

Limitations

The sample size (n=3235) was not enough for comparing method and gender specific case fatalities with a fine-meshed stratification regarding age.

Conclusions

Higher suicide rates in males not only result from the choice of more lethal methods. Other factors have to be considered.

Keywords: Suicide, Methods, Lethality, Gender, Suicide prevention