National suicide rates as an indicator of the effect of suicide on premature mortality
Journal
The Lancet
Date Issued
September 20, 2003
Author(s)
DOI
10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14367-X
Abstract
The health strategies of many nations include targets to
reduce suicide rates. In several countries, because suicide
rates are rising in young men but falling or unchanging in most
other groups, achievement of target reductions might mask
rises in potential years of life lost (PYLL). Analysis of routine
mortality and census data for England and Wales, UK, shows
that although age-standardised suicide rates fell by 18% (95%
CI 15–21) between 1981 and 1998, the PYLL before age 65
years increased by 5% (4–6). National suicide reduction
targets should focus on PYLL and overall suicide rates.
reduce suicide rates. In several countries, because suicide
rates are rising in young men but falling or unchanging in most
other groups, achievement of target reductions might mask
rises in potential years of life lost (PYLL). Analysis of routine
mortality and census data for England and Wales, UK, shows
that although age-standardised suicide rates fell by 18% (95%
CI 15–21) between 1981 and 1998, the PYLL before age 65
years increased by 5% (4–6). National suicide reduction
targets should focus on PYLL and overall suicide rates.