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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-06-2016 | Original Paper

The area level association between suicide, deprivation, social fragmentation and population density in the Republic of Ireland: a national study

Authors: IB O’Farrell, P Corcoran, IJ Perry

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Numerous studies have examined the ecological relationship between suicide and area level determinants such as deprivation and social fragmentation. In Ireland, there is considerable geographic variation in the rates of suicide. However, there is a dearth of Irish studies investigating the geographic variability of suicide.

Methods

The Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO) provided data relating to all deaths by suicide and deaths of undetermined intent that occurred from 2009 to 2011. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the relationship between area level suicide rates and measures of deprivation, social fragmentation and population density that were taken from the 2011 National Census.

Results

Overall deprivation had the strongest independent effect on small-area rates of suicide, with the most deprived areas showing the greatest risk of suicide (risk ratio = 2.1; 95 % CI 1.70–2.52). Low population density (rurality) was associated with an increased risk suicide in males across both age groups and among females in the older 40–64-year age group. Conversely, a weak association between high population density (urbanicity) and increased suicide risk was found among females in the 15–39-year age group. Associations with social fragmentation only became apparent in the sub group analysis. Social fragmentation was associated with an elevated risk of suicide in the older 40–64 age group, with this effect being most pronounced among females.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate marked geographical inequalities in the distribution of suicide in Ireland and highlight the importance of targeting suicide prevention resources in the most deprived areas.

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Title: The area level association between suicide, deprivation, social fragmentation and population density in the Republic of Ireland: a national study
Authors: IB O’Farrell
P Corcoran
IJ Perry
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1205-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The area level association between suicide, deprivation, social fragmentation and population density in the Republic of Ireland: a national study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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