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Comparative Study
. 2006 Oct;96(10):1794-8.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.082131.

Characteristics of black and white suicide decedents in Fulton County, Georgia, 1988-2002

Karon Abe  1 , Kristen J Mertz, Kenneth E Powell, Randy L Hanzlick
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Characteristics of black and white suicide decedents in Fulton County, Georgia, 1988-2002

Karon Abe et al. Am J Public Health. 2006 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: We compared the prevalence of risk factors for Black and White suicide decedents in Fulton County, Georgia, from 1988-2002.

Methods: We used data from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office to compile information on suicides that occurred in Fulton County between 1988 and 2002. We used the chi2 test and logistic regression to identify associations between suicide risk factors and race.

Results: Black suicide decedents were more likely than White suicide decedents to be male (odds ratio [OR]=2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.38, 3.09), to be younger, (< or =24 y [OR = 4.74; 95% CI = 2.88, 7.81]; 25-34 y [OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.74, 4.47]; 35-44 y [OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.13, 3.07]), and to hurt others in a suicide (OR = 4.22; 95% CI = 1.60, 11.15) but less likely to report depression (OR=0.63; 95% CI=0.48, 0.83), to have a family history of suicide (OR=0.08; 95% CI=0.01, 0.61), or to leave a suicide note (OR=0.37; 95% CI=0.26, 0.52).

Conclusions: Future research should consider that Black suicide decedents are less likely to report depression than White suicide decedents. This suicide risk difference is important when developing effective suicide prevention programs.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Age-adjusted suicide rates by race in Fulton County, Georgia, 1988–2002. Data sources. Fulton County Medical Examiner Files (number of suicides) and US Census Bureau (population).
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Age-adjusted suicide rates by race and age group in Fulton County, Georgia, 1988–2002. Data sources. Fulton County Medical Examiner Files (number of suicides) and US Census Bureau (population).
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References

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