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Katherine Hempstead, PhD, Center for Health Statistics, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 360, H/A Building, Rm. 405, Trenton, NJ 08625, (609) 292-9353, Katherine.Hempstead@doh.state.nj.us
Purpose Suicide in New Jersey follows a pronounced spatial pattern, in which rates are generally higher in the more rural counties located in the Southern and NorthWestern part of the state. This study seeks to assess the respective roles played by individual and contextual factors in understanding rural-urban suicide differentials. Method New Jersey participates in the National Violent Death Reporting System. Using the rich data on suicide circumstances available from the NVDRS project, we examine differences in suicide circumstances in suicides occurring in rural and urban municipalities during 2003 and the first six months of 2004 (when available).. A multivariate analysis using a control group of unintentional injuries is in early stages. This model would enable enhanced analysis of the role of environmental factors, although it would lack the rich individual data which is generally only available for suicides. Results Early results from the descriptive analysis of suicides suggests that demographic characteristics of suicides are similar in rural and urban areas, and that while gun prevalence is higher in rural counties, this difference does not account for the entirety of the suicide gap. Conclusion While suicide rates in New Jersey are low relative to most other states, suicide is a major cause of mortality, accounting for more than 600 deaths a year. The excessive rates of suicide in rural counties provides an opportunity for targetted prevention, and this study will contribute to our understanding of the relative roles played by individual and environmental factors.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.