Geographic variation in suicide rates in Australian farmers: Why is the problem more frequent in Queensland than in New South Wales?

Abstract

Research on farmer suicide is limited in explaining the variations in farmers' demographic characteristics. This study examines farmer suicides in two Australian states: Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW). Standardized suicide rates over 2000-2009 showed a 2 times higher prevalence of suicide in QLD than NSW (147 vs. 92 cases, respectively). Differences in age and suicide method were observed between states, although they do not appear to account for the sizeable intra- and interstate variations. Suicide prevention initiatives for farmers should account for different age groups and also specific place-based risk factors that may vary between and within jurisdictions.

“The Masks We Wear”: A Qualitative Study of Suicide in Australian Farmers

“…Variation in suicide methods has been observed between Australian states, with QLD farmer suicides more often using hanging and NSW farmers more often using firearms. 7 A posited reason for this difference is that methods relate to the age composition of the farmers, that is, that older people are more likely to adopt firearms as a method and younger people more likely to use hanging. 7,49 Our study observed that farmers who used hanging had the firearm removed by a relative or due to mental illness.…”

Pathways to Suicide in Australian Farmers: A Life Chart Analysis

“…Study findings may be unique to the relatively few farmers included in this study; hence, it is may not be generalizable to all farmers and needs to be replicated with a larger sample, including more young men from the younger age group and farm labourers who have been found to have higher suicide rates [38]. Although a greater number of Queensland informants were recruited compared to New South Wales, findings may be representative of these samples given that Queensland has been found to have twice the rate of farmer suicide compared with New South Wales [42]. …”

Evaluation of the SCARF Well‐Being and Suicide Prevention Program for Rural Australian Communities

“…Research on suicidal behavior among rural and farming communities in Australia and internationally indicates the need for culturally appropriate, contextually sensitive, and tailored suicide prevention initiatives . Within Australia few rural suicide prevention programs have been delivered and evaluated …”

“…Training frontline staff, community suicide prevention awareness programs, and gatekeeper training (GKT) in workplaces and community organizations are evidence‐based activities that are most likely to be effective . Researchers have identified stressors and risk factors within the rural and farming context including adversity due to drought, familiarity with and access to firearms, and sociocultural norms of masculinity that may affect help‐seeking . Programs that address lifestyle factors associated with suicide risk, such as increased alcohol consumption and work stress, and that take into account the sociocultural and physical environment may be helpful .…”

“…due to drought, familiarity with and access to firearms, and sociocultural norms of masculinity that may affect help-seeking. [4][5][6] Programs that address lifestyle factors associated with suicide risk, such as increased alcohol consumption and work stress, and that take into account the sociocultural and physical environment may be helpful. [13][14][15] Australian research endorses GKT to upskill key members of rural communities to identify, assess, and manage (or refer) mental health problems while increasing their knowledge about available health services.…”