Suicides and Social Neighbourhood Characteristics: An Ecological Analysis in an Urban German Area

Richter, Dirk; Baune, Bernhard; Vennemann, Mechthild; Berger, Klaus (2009). Suicides and Social Neighbourhood Characteristics: An Ecological Analysis in an Urban German Area Psychiatrische Praxis, 36(3), pp. 137-141. Georg Thieme Verlag 10.1055/s-0028-1090094

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Objective Ecological analyses on the association between social neighbourhood factors and suicide rates have rarely been conducted in German cities. Aim of our study was to analyse the association between small area (neighbourhood) social characteristics and the suicide frequency within a large German city. Methods All suicides occurring between 2002 to 2004 in the city of Dortmund were registered and death certificates validated. Social indicators for the 62 city neighbourhoods were analysed for their influence on suicide frequency using correlation and Poisson regression methods. Results Between 2002 and 2004, 217 suicides were registered in Dortmund. In women, but not in men, high correlations with several social neighbourhood indicators were found. In the regression analysis the proportions of married individuals, welfare recipients, and elderly citizens (65 years and older) as well as the population density were significantly associated with the suicide frequency in the neighbourhoods. Discussion Ecological analyses may suggest details and local starting points for suicide prevention programmes.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	School of Health Professions School of Health Professions > Nursing
Name:	Richter, Dirk0000-0002-6215-6110; Baune, Bernhard; Vennemann, Mechthild and Berger, Klaus
ISSN:	0303-4259
Publisher:	Georg Thieme Verlag
Language:	German
Submitter:	Dirk Richter
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2021 15:30
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2022 11:17
Publisher DOI:	10.1055/s-0028-1090094
Additional Information:	Date: 2009
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.12632
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/12632