Self-Reported Suicidal and Help Seeking Behaviours in the General Population of Latvia

This study assessed the prevalence of suicidal behaviours in the general population in Latvia, identified risk groups, examined a possible continuous sequence of suicidal behaviours with underlying gradient of severity, assessed patterns of help-seeking behaviours & preferences for different types of services. A postal survey was carried out. The last year & lifetime prevalence of any type of suicidal behaviour was 52.6 & 60.2%. Younger age, lower level of education, urban residency, & Latvian ethnicity were identified as risk factors for serious suicidal behaviours in both genders. Age, gender, previous help-seeking experience, & severity of self-reported suicidal behaviours influenced help-seeking behaviours. (34 refs.) JA