Gender Issues in Suicide Rates, Trends and Methods Among Youths Aged 15-24 in 15 European Countries

This study examined differences in suicide rates, trends, & methods among 15-24-year-olds by gender across 15 European countries. Data for 14,738 suicides were obtained & analysed. Suicide rates ranged from 5.5-35.1 for males & 1.3-8.5 for females. Statistically significant declines since 2000 were observed in Germany, Scotland, Spain, & England for males & in Ireland for females. Hanging was the most frequent method used by both genders. However, there are also high rates of preventable suicide methods & reducing the availability of means should be one of the goals of suicide prevention. (37 refs.) JA