A Comparison of Australian Suicide Rates in 1969–73 and 1976–80

Abstract

Australian suicide rates were compared for the 1969–73 and 1976–80 periods by age, sex and State. Rates for males were generally at least twice those for females. The sex difference was marked, irrespective of age, State and time period. Middle-aged and older Australians generally had higher rates than 20–29-year-olds, although this finding was not consistent by State for males. The national age-standardised suicide rate for all age groups combined decreased between the 1969–73 period and 1976–80 both for males and (more so) for females. However, there was a 24% Increase for 20–29-year-old males. While the suicide rate for 20–29-year-old females decreased between the 1969–73 period and 1976–80, an analysis of yearly trends within the 1976–80 period revealed an upward trend for individuals aged 20–29 years, for both females and males.