EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF SUICIDES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF SUICIDES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate possible shifts of the suicide rate during the last 15 years in the Republic of Croatia (1985-2000), the distribution of male and female suicides according to age and some other characteristics according to sex in the 1990-2000 period, and the distribution of male and female suicides during the war and post-war period. Data were collected from the Suicide Registerof the Ministry of the Interior. According to the Register,9987 suicides had been reported in 1990-2000. The suicide rotes in the last 15 years did not change as well as during the war and post-war period. The suicide rate was 19.26. The highest suicide rate was in the 15-30 age group and in those older than 65 years. The women were on overage five years older than men. Hanging was the most frequent method of suieide (50%). Men used firearms and explosives more often than women. Medical problems were more often present among women than meni as opposed to alcoholism, which was more present among men. Almost 80% of the victims had previously verbally announced suicide. Prevention efforts should be focused on alcoholism, drug abuse, family crisis, reduction of firearms and explosives possession, and improvement of economic status among men, and toward previous suicide attempts, mental disorders and unemployment among women. Among both sex groups prevention must be directed toward the youth and the elderly and verbal suicide announcement must be seriously estimated.

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