AGE–SEX VARIATIONS IN SUICIDE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 1901–1967

Abstract

Age‐sex variations in the suicide rates in Western Australia during the period 1901–1967 have been examined. Male suicide rates were markedly higher than the Australian rates during the first three decades, but have shown a distinct drop since 1945. Peak male suicide rates occurred in 1910, 1921, 1930 and 1931; peak female rates occurred in 1930 and 1966. The male rates, but not the female rates, dropped sharply during World War II. There has been a rising female, but steady male, suicide rate since 1956. Suicide rates were highest in the older age groups, especially in males. Suicide accounted for 12%–14% of all deaths in the 20 to 24 years age group. During 1958–1967, one–third of all suicide victims were aged under 40 years, one‐third were aged 40 to 59 years, and one‐third were aged 60 years or over. Contrary to figures from other countries, there was a higher country than city suicide rate in Western Australia from 1901 to 1952. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed.