SEASONAL DIFFERENCES IN SUICIDE BIRTH-RATE IN ALASKA NATIVES COMPAREDTO OTHER POPULATIONS

Seasonal differences in suicide birth rates among Alaska Natives and f or populations at different latitudes (residents of the Yukon, Saskatc hewan, Montana, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania) were investigated. Seasonal birth rates for the general population were similarly examined. Suici de birth rates showed small seasonal variations for Alaska Natives wit h summer births showing more suicides. However, at lower latitudes sui cide birth rates among other populations showed no seasonal difference s. Hours of daily sunlight at the summer and winter solstice correlate d with the proportion of suicide victims born during those seasons. Se asonal differences in birth rates of suicide victims correlated strong ly with latitude and seasonal differences in daylight. General populat ion birth rates did not show significant seasonal differences, and did not correlate with differences in latitude or sunlight length at the summer or winter solstice.