SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF FIREARM SUICIDE AMONG OLDER WHITE MALES

Compared to women, younger mates, and other racial/ethnic groups in th e United States, white males 65 and over have the highest suicide rate s. Using the Mortality Detail Files (1989-1991), this study examined t he sociodemographic factors associated with late tife firearm (vs othe r methods) suicide among white mates. White males aged 65-84 residing in nonmetropolitan areas who were married, divorced, or widowed and wi th less than a high school education were significantly more likely to have killed themselves with a firearm than with other methods. Policy initiatives and community interventions should incorporate knowledge of those demographic subgroups most at risk for firearm suicide.