Association of Temporal Factors and Suicides in the United States, 2000-2004

This study examined the association of temporal factors, in particular days of the week & seasons of the year, & suicides in the United States. Data, 2000-2004, were pooled from the Multiple Cause of Death Files. Hierarchical logistic regression models were fitted to all suicides. The incidence of suicide was significantly higher on Wednesdays, compared to Sunday. Suicides were more prevalent in the summer months & they were less likely to occur in winter. The state suicide rate significantly elevated individual suicide risk. The results held even after controlling for the potentially confounding effects of socio-economic & demographic variables at both the individual & state levels. (80 refs.)