Suicide in Trinidad and Tobago: Associations With Measures of Social Distress

Using national statistics for 1978-1992, associations were examined between suicide rates & measures of social distress in Trinidad & Tobago. Over the 15-year period, there were significant positive associations between male suicide & serious crimes as well as with male & female unemployment. Male suicide rates were also negatively associated with male admissions to a psychiatric hospital. Female suicide rates were positively associated with serious crime & male unemployment. Prevention strategies must include measures to counter the experience of social distress. (27 refs.)