Year: 2008 Source: International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, v.7, no.1, (2008), p.21-48 SIEC No: 20101171

The socioeconomic aetiology of suicide mortality was analyzed for a large set of Russian regions. Suicide rates were statistically accounted for by transition-related stressors such as hyperinflation & severe economic depression. A deficiency of coping resources – lacking economic activities of the regional populations – turned out to be the strongest explanatory variable. Heavy binge drinking was a significant, but not the leading mortality predictor. Study results support the idea that sustainable socioeconomic development is crucial for the prevention of stress-related mortality. (92 refs.) JA