SUICIDE LEVELS IN CORK CITY 1987 1991

This study investigates the level of suicide in Cork City during the 5 -year period 1987/1991. Both male and female crude rates were higher t han the corresponding national levels. The male/female ratio was 2.3:1 , which is consistent with established findings. Vulnerability to suic ide is most pronounced in 20-39 year old males and females in the 40-5 9 age category. There was some evidence of an increased risk of suicid e among single elderly males; otherwise marital status was not a signi ficant factor. A positive association was noted between unemployment a nd suicide rate for males. Drowning was used as the method of suicide by approximately half the male and female sub-groups; this was followe d by hanging in the case of males and overdosing among females. Howeve r all suicide cases under 20 years of age used hanging.