The Growing use of Firearms by Suicidal Older Women, 1979-1992: a Research Note

An examination of national mortality data for the USA from 1979-1992 shows an increasing trend in the rates of suicide among older women & a declining trend among women under 65. Over the 14-year period, firearms replaced poisoning as the most common method of suicide by women 65 & over. The results seem consistent with the assertion that the availability, familiarity, & cultural acceptability of firearms may play a role in the choice of suicide method among older women. (40 refs.)