Suicide, Gender, and age Variations in India: are Women in Indian Society Protected From Suicide?

A new set of data concerning the pattern of suicide in India between 1991-1997 are presented. Rates rose over this period despite a small decline in the Indian rate in 1995 & 1996. It was found that between 1995 & 1997 there was a modest fall in the suicide rates among under 29-year-olds of both sexes, & an increase among those 30 years & older. Rates were nearly equal for young women & men, a contrast with the pattern of suicide sex ratios in eight developed countries. (31 refs)