Geographical distribution of suicide death rates

Abstract

Suicide death rates among prefectures in Japan or among municipalities in Gunma Prefecture differ from region to region. According to the mortality rates reported by Ministry Welfare, rate of death due to swiside increases with advancing age. The age adjusted suicide death rate of female aged 70 years was highest in Akita snd Gunma Prefectures. To clarify factors affecting suicide death rates, correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis between suicide death rates and geographical features were investigated. Meteorological conditions and per capita annual income in males, and meteorological conditions and imcreased age in females were significantly associated with swicide death. In Gunma Prefecture, advanced age was the main background to suicide death rate. © 1999, The Kitakanto Medical Society. All rights reserved.