External Causes of Death in Estonia 1970-2002 – a Special Reference to Suicide, Traffic Accidents and Alcohol Poisoning

This study aims to describe the external causes of death (ECD) mortality (specifically suicide and traffic death) in Estonia 1970-2002, in relation to political & economic development, with a special focus on the impact of unemployment & alcohol use. The highest mortality rates were found for traffic accidents in 1990-1991 & for suicides in 1994-1995. Suicides were found to be influenced mainly by social factors. Implications for future health policy are discussed. (165 refs)