Differential and spatial aspects of suicide mortality in New South Wales and Sydney, 1980 to 1991

Abstract

Occupational and marital status dimensions of suicide mortality in New South Wales were examined for the periods 1980 to 1985 and 1986 to 1989-90 respectively, and marital status and birthplace group mortality profiles were examined in relation to grouped occupations, with a view to identifying the relative influence of these differentiating factors on suicide mortality. Spatial analysis was undertaken for different ages, in major regions of New South Wales and statistical local areas in Sydney for the period 1985 to 1991, and associations with socioeconomic characteristics of geographic areas were investigated. Despite residential revitalisation in inner city areas, higher mortality in several inner city localities has persisted over time while levels have risen in some outer areas. Never-married and divorced men in manual work were most at risk of committing suicide and never-married and divorced women had elevated suicide levels. Male suicide levels were elevated among farmers and related workers, and youth and adult male suicide levels were elevated in inland regions of the state. Possible explanations for the variations are discussed.