Suicide Rates in Latvia Dramatically Influenced by the Transition Period 1980-1998

This study aimed to increase current understanding regarding which subgroups in the population were more affected by the social, political, & economic changes that occurred in Latvia between 1980 & 1998. The authors found that during this time there were rapid swings in the suicide rates, which were most pronounced among males. Social, political, economic, & psychological factors are examined as possible explanations for the high rates of suicide among Latvian men. (8 refs)