Suicide deaths and self-inflicted injuries in Kentucky: An urban-rural comparison


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3151.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 9

Abstract #104974

Allison Huck, MPH, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 333 Waller Ave, Suite 202, Lexington, KY 40504, 859-323-8591, ajhuck2@uky.edu

Objectives: Concerned that an urban-rural suicide disparity exists, the present investigator examined the incidence of suicide deaths and self-inflicted injury hospitalizations in Kentucky. Methods: Suicide death certificates for 11 years and self-inflicted injury hospital discharge data for seven years were examined. The deaths and injuries were placed into four categories: poisoning, hanging, firearm, or other. Both deaths and hospitalizations were analyzed concentrating on the individual's county of residence – urban or rural. Results: Between 1992 and 2002, 5078 Kentuckians died from self-inflicted injuries; between 1996 and 2002, 13,291 Kentucky residents were admitted to a hospital for a self-inflicted injury. For both hospitalizations and deaths, the number residing in rural communities was significantly higher than that for urban communities, based on population expectations. Chi-square tests demonstrated that 1) firearms were the preferred method for suicide deaths but the degree to which the individuals chose firearms was significantly greater (p<.0001) in rural communities and (2) poisoning was the preferred method, in both settings, for individuals hospitalized with self-inflicted injuries, but the degree to which the individuals chose poisoning was significantly greater (p<.001) in rural communities compared to urban ones. Conclusions: Clearly, suicide in Kentucky is tragic, regardless of the urban or rural status of a community. However, data confirm that more people per year are committing suicide and are hospitalized for self-inflicted injuries in the state's rural areas. Further analysis is needed to determine why rural communities experience more suicide deaths and self-inflicted injury hospitalizations.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

1. Recognize suicide as a public health problem in Kentucky
2. Identify the population at higher risk
3. Discuss factors contributing to increased suicide rates in rural communities

Keywords: Suicide, Rural Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Violence Studies Posters

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA