Mortality and Causes of Death Among Danish Medical Doctors 1973-1992

The mortality pattern of Danish doctors was examined for the period 1973-1992. A total of 2387 deaths occurred from January 1973-December 1992. The doctors’ mortality was lower than that of the general population. However the standardized mortality ratio for suicide was significantly increased, 1.6 for males & 1.7 for females. The suicide rate was increased, in particular, because of an increased number of suicides by poisoning. In addition, female doctors displayed a relatively high mortality due to accidents & other types of violent deaths. (18 refs.)