The Reliability of Reported Suicide Mortality Statistics: an Experience From Belgium

The reliability of official Belgian suicide statistics was assessed by comparing various mortality indicators for suicide, undetermined deaths, accidental poisoning deaths, & “estimated” suicide in 1968-72 & 1978-81. Results did not reveal significant underreporting on national comparisons. However, among the 43 geographical districts a biased distribution in the undetermined deaths category was found. This bias was not enough to change the geographical suicide pattern reported in Belgium.