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The Relationship Between Elderly Suicide Rates and the Internet: a Cross-National Study

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  • Ajit Shah

    (Ethnicity and Mental Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK, West London Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK, ajit.shah@wlmht.nhs.uk)

Abstract

Background: Suicide rates generally increase with age. Internet websites and chat rooms have been reported both to promote suicides and to have a positive beneficial effect on suicidal individuals. The role of the internet in elderly suicides has not been studied. Methods: The relationship between elderly suicide rates and the prevalence of internet users was examined in a cross-national study using data from the World Health Organization and the United Nations website. Results: The prevalence of internet users was significantly and positively correlated with suicide rates in both genders in the age bands 65—74 years and 75+ years. On multiple regression analysis the prevalence of internet users was independently associated with suicide rates in both genders in both age bands. Conclusion: Caution should be exercised in the attribution of a causal relationship and the direction of this relationship because of the cross-sectional and ecological study design whereby the findings are subject to ecological fallacy. However, the findings identify and support a need for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajit Shah, 2010. "The Relationship Between Elderly Suicide Rates and the Internet: a Cross-National Study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(3), pages 214-219, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:56:y:2010:i:3:p:214-219
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764009105645
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gunnell, David & Middleton, Nicos & Whitley, Elise & Dorling, Daniel & Frankel, Stephen, 2003. "Why are suicide rates rising in young men but falling in the elderly?--a time-series analysis of trends in England and Wales 1950-1998," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(4), pages 595-611, August.
    2. Knox, K.L. & Conwell, Y. & Caine, E.D., 2004. "If Suicide Is a Public Health Problem, What Are We Doing to Prevent It?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(1), pages 37-45.
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