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Examining Undetermined and Accidental Deaths as Source of ‘Under-Reported-Suicide’ by Age and Sex in Twenty Western Countries

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Abstract

Objectives

‘Undetermined’ (UnD) and accidental deaths (AccD) are explored as possible sources of ‘under-reported-suicides’ (URS) in 20 Western countries.

Methods

WHO mortality rates per million of AccD, UnD and suicides analysed. UnD:suicides ratios of <1:5 calculated as likely URS versus ratios >1:10 unlikely URS and all correlated by sex and age.

Results

Male URS likely in 7 countries and in 11 for females. URS in AccD likely in 5 countries for both sexes only UnD and suicide rates the elderly (75+) significantly correlated.

Conclusion

Strong indication of URS in the UK, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany with likely URS in AccD in Greece, Portugal, Switzerland and USA. These findings have important implications, indicating that, with the exception of France and Japan, official reported suicide rates contain a degree of under-reporting, and especially for women yet it is essential to have accurate suicide data to ensure adequate service provision.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Professor in Psyhciatric Social Work, School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth University, Room 401b Royal London House, Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH1 3 LT, UK

    Colin Pritchard

  2. Southern Health Care, Southampton, Hampshire, UK

    Colin Pritchard & Lars Hansen

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  1. Colin Pritchard
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  2. Lars Hansen
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Correspondence to Colin Pritchard.

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Pritchard, C., Hansen, L. Examining Undetermined and Accidental Deaths as Source of ‘Under-Reported-Suicide’ by Age and Sex in Twenty Western Countries. Community Ment Health J 51, 365–376 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-014-9810-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-014-9810-z

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