Year: 2004 Source: Public Health, v.118, (2004), p.346-348 SIEC No: 20090642

This study analysed the relationship between suicide rates & economic development within the theoretical framework of epidemiological transition. A weak positive correlation was found between suicide rates & gross national product per capita in both genders for all ages. According to previous studies, there is a clear decline in deaths due to unintentional injuries with improved economic conditions. This example of a man-made disease that declines during the fourth stage is in agreement with the theory of epidemiological transition. Results of this study, however, found the opposite pattern for deaths due to intentional self-inflicted injury. (10 refs.)