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Inter-regional variations in men’s attitudes, suicide rates and sociodemographics in Quebec (Canada)

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Abstract

Background

Suicide rates can vary quite considerably and attitudes regarding suicide may explain part of the variation.

Method

The present study investigated, across the 17 regions of Quebec (Canada), men’s attitudes towards suicide, expressing pain and help seeking, as they are related to suicide rates and sociodemographic variables (unemployment, divorce/separation, income and education).

Results

Most correlations were non-significant. However, in regions with an above-average educational level and with higher divorce/separation rates, men had better attitudes towards expressing pain. Furthermore, in regions where men were more inclined to express pain, suicide rates were lower. Also, significant positive correlations were found between suicide rates and low educational level, but also between an increase in suicide rates and an increase in income level.

Conclusions

Where the aetiology of suicide is concerned, researchers must examine both sociodemographic factors and the psychological factors associated with them.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, P.O. Box 500, G9A 5H7, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

    Julie Desaulniers MPs & Marc S. Daigle PhD

  2. Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia (CRISE), Montreal, QC, Canada

    Julie Desaulniers MPs & Marc S. Daigle PhD

  3. Philippe Pinel Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Marc S. Daigle PhD

Authors
  1. Julie Desaulniers MPs
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  2. Marc S. Daigle PhD
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Correspondence to Marc S. Daigle PhD.

Additional information

The experiment reported here was made possible by a grant from the Department of Health and Social Services of the Quebec Government, Canada.

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Desaulniers, J., Daigle, M.S. Inter-regional variations in men’s attitudes, suicide rates and sociodemographics in Quebec (Canada). Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 43, 445–453 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0340-2

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