Socioeconomic Differences in Suicide Mortality by sex in Finland in 1971-2000: a Register-Based Study of Trends, Levels, and Life Expectancy Differences

Socioeconomic differences & trends in Finnish suicide mortality were analysed & their relevance to public health was assessed by calculating socioeconomic differences in years of life expectancy lost to suicide. Census records were linked with the death records of people aged 25 years & over in 1971-2000 in Finland. Large & persistent socioeconomic differences were found in suicide mortality & suicide was an important component of the socioeconomic difference in total mortality. Reducing these differences could significantly improve equity in health & reduce the burden of excess mortality. (37 refs.)