Suicide Risk Factors among Polish Adults Aged 65 or Older in 2000–2018 Compared with Selected Countries Worldwide

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the tendencies of change in suicide frequency among Polish adults aged 65 or older, recognize the importance of available socio-demographic data (age, sex, marital status, and education attainment level) and provide an in-depth psychological understanding of the obtained results. We analysed the influence of education and marital status on suicide risk in the Polish adult population aged 65 or older, which has not been previously presented in publications related to the Central Statistical Office or any other research. Our results indicated that male adults aged 65 or older that were single or divorced and with a lower education had a higher risk of death by suicide. In female adults aged 65 or older, those with higher education and who were divorced or married had a higher risk of fatal suicide behaviour meanwhile, single women and widows had a lower risk. The dominant method of suicide among Polish older adults was suicide by hanging, regardless of sex; female older adults were more likely to die by suicide by poisoning or jumping from a height, and male older adults were more likely to die by shooting with a firearm. Although data from recent years highlights a downward trend for suicide rates in Polish older adults, the problem cannot be considered solved.

Suicidal ideation and attempts in adults seeking outpatient psychodynamic psychotherapy

“…Men were also more likely to have attempted to take their own life, which is in line with findings from the general population and clinical samples (Nock & Kessler, 2006;O'Connor & Pirkis, 2016;Richardson et al, 2022;Śmigielski et al, 2021). Lower education was another correlate, which is in accordance with data from other settings (Borges et al, 2010;Kessler et al, 1999;Śmigielski et al, 2021).…”

“…Another explanation could be that men have more reservations about contacting doctors or therapists for mental health issues, leading to delayed treatment and thereby worsened symptoms (Bayer et al, 2020;Curry et al, 2002;Doherty & Kartalova-O'Doherty, 2010). Men were also more likely to have attempted to take their own life, which is in line with findings from the general population and clinical samples (Nock & Kessler, 2006;O'Connor & Pirkis, 2016;Richardson et al, 2022;Śmigielski et al, 2021). Lower education was another correlate, which is in accordance with data from other settings (Borges et al, 2010;Kessler et al, 1999;Śmigielski et al, 2021).…”