Suicide in Greece 1980-1995: Patterns and Social Factors

A nationwide study of suicide in Greece during the period 1980-1995 indicated a mean age-standardized suicide rate of 5.86/100,000 for males & 1.89/100,000 for females. Other findings from the study included: an increase in suicide rates with age, especially in males; significant rising trends in male suicide in the 45-54 age group; significant declining trends of female suicides in age groups 15-24, 75-84, & total rate; the lowest suicide rates were among married men & women; exceptionally high rates in young widowed men; rural rates were twice as high as urban rates; & suicide methods were mostly violent. The low suicide rates & the trends observed can probably be attributed to a synthesis of social & cultural characteristics of the Greek people & ongoing changes in Greek lifestyle. (44 refs.)