FIREARM SUICIDE AMONG OLDER WOMEN IN THE US

Contrary to the common view that older women (65+) in the United State s use suicide methods that have relatively low potential for death, fi rearms have become the most common suicide method in this group. The p resent study examines the association between demographic and geograph ic factors and the use of firearms vs other suicide methods. Data were derived from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortali ty Detail Files (1989-1991). Results from a logistic regression analys is indicate that among white women 65 and over who died by suicide in 1989-1991, the risk of using firearms varied significantly across demo graphic and geographic subcategories of the population. The following characteristics among women were significantly more likely to be assoc iated with the use of firearms as a suicide method: ages 65-74, marrie d, of lower educational attainment, in nonmetropolitan areas, and in t he South. Research is needed to assess the effects of limiting firearm s on the growing proportion of firearm-related suicides among older wo men. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.