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Suicide and unemployment rate in Taiwan, a population-based study, 1978–2006

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Abstract

Objective

Both the suicide rate and unemployment rate have showed an upward trend in Taiwan since 1994. This study aimed to explore the association between the suicide rate and the unemployment rate. This information is useful in developing specific suicide prevention strategies related to unemployment.

Methods

All the cases of suicide by those aged 15 years and above during 1978–2006 in Taiwan (n = 74,064) were included in this study. Time series models were used to analyze the monthly age-standardized suicide rate by gender and age-subgroup (15–24, 25–44, 45–64, and 65+).

Results

With regard to the age range and gender subgroup, the association between age-standardized suicide and the unemployment rate was comparatively high for males and those aged from 45 to 64 years. Among males and those aged from 45 to 64 years, a 1% increase in the absolute unemployment rate was associated with a 4.9% (95% confidence interval: 1.7–8.2) increase in the relative age-standardized suicide rate in the monthly average from 1978 to 2006 in Taiwan.

Conclusions

Suicide prevention strategy for the unemployed should be more focused especially on males aged from 45 to 64 years in Taiwan.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

    Vincent Chin-Hung Chen & Te-Jen Lai

  2. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

    Vincent Chin-Hung Chen

  3. The Graduate Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Jen-Yu Chou

  4. Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

    Te-Jen Lai

  5. Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shihcyuan 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

    Charles Tzu-Chi Lee

Authors
  1. Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
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  2. Jen-Yu Chou
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  3. Te-Jen Lai
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  4. Charles Tzu-Chi Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Charles Tzu-Chi Lee.

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Chen, V.CH., Chou, JY., Lai, TJ. et al. Suicide and unemployment rate in Taiwan, a population-based study, 1978–2006. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 45, 447–452 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0083-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0083-8

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