[Space-time distribution of suicide in Galicia, Spain [1976-1998]]. / Distribución geográfica y temporal del suicidio en Galicia (1976-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To study the space-time distribution of suicide in Galicia from 1976 to 1998, taking into account gender, age, season and method of suicide. METHODS: For each sex crude and age-adjusted rates per province and age-specific rates per period (1978-84, 1985-91, 1992-98) were calculated. To estimate mortality risk and time trends in the municipalities, a Bayesian hierarchical model was used. RESULTS: In the last few years mortality from suicide has increase considerably. Age-adjusted rates of 6 per 105 at the beginning of the study rose to 10 per 105 at the end. The increase was greatest among men. The higher rates were observed in the elderly, although in terms of time trends the highest increase occurred among adolescents and young adults. In both sexes the main method of suicide was hanging. Less common methods were jumping from a height and shooting. The greatest number of suicides took place during the spring and summer months. In terms of spatial distribution, a high number of suicides were committed in the province of Lugo; in the municipalities, mortality risk decreased from North to South and an inverse temporal trend was observed in both sexes. This differed from the space-time patterns of suicides committed using methods other than hanging. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide is an important health problem in Galicia not only because to its magnitude but also because of the increasing rates, especially among young people. Geographical and temporal analysis can identify priority areas where preventive policies should be implemented.

Distribución geográfica y temporal del suicidio en Galicia (1976-1998) / Space-time distribution of suicide in Galicia, Spain [1976-1998]

Objetivo: Estudiar la distribución geográfica y temporal de la mortalidad por suicidio en Galicia desde 1976 a 1998, teniendo en cuenta el sexo, la edad, la estacionalidad y el método empleado. Métodos: Para cada sexo se calcularon las tasas provinciales, brutas y ajustadas por edad y las tasas específicas por edad y período (1978-1984, 1985-1991, 1992-1998). Para la estimación del riesgo y la tendencia temporal en el ámbito municipal se utilizó un modelo jerárquico bayesiano. Resultados: La mortalidad por suicidio aumentó considerablemente en los últimos años, pasando de tasas ajustadas en torno al 6 por 105 en los primeros años de estudio a tasas del 10 por 105 en los últimos, siendo este aumento más acentuado en los varones. Las tasas más elevadas se observan en edades avanzadas, aunque al valorar la tendencia temporal, los mayores incrementos se presentan en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. El principal método de suicidio, tanto en varones como en mujeres, ha sido el ahorcamiento, seguido a gran distancia por la caída de lugar elevado y el uso de armas de fuego. Los meses con mayor número de suicidios corresponden a la primavera y el verano. En cuanto a la (..) (AU)

Objective: To study the space-time distribution of suicide in Galicia from 1976 to 1998, taking into account gender, age, season and method of suicide. Methods: For each sex crude and age-adjusted rates per province and age-specific rates per period (1978-84, 1985-91,1992-98) were calculated. To estimate mortality risk and time trends in the municipalities, a Bayesian hierarchical model was used. Results: In the last few years mortality from suicide has increase considerably. Age-adjusted rates of 6 per 105 at the beginning of the study rose to 10 per 105 at the end. The increase was greatest among men. The higher rates were observed in the elderly, although in terms of time trends the highest increase occurred among adolescents and young adults. In both sexes the main method of suicide was hanging. Less common methods were jumping from a height and shooting. The greatest number of suicides took place during the spring (..) (AU)