Sanctions and suicide in the elderly

Abstract

Objective

In the process of defining the most accurate and sensitive indicators for humanitarian conditions and impact of sanctions against FRY, the number of committed suicides was followed up with particular interest in group of people aged 60 and more.

Design

Retrospective Study used data from Municipal Statistical Office in 4 year period meaningful for certain changes in Yugoslavia (economic mismanagement, state break-up, war and economic sanctions).

Materials and Methods

The number of committed suicides obtained from records of Municipal Statistical Office was followed up. Statistical evaluation encompassed calculation by absolute and relative numbers, as well as suicidal trends in Belgrade. Age, gender and occupation were analyzed parameters.

Results

“J curve” obtained by analyzed data represented suicidal trends in Belgrade in period 1988-1992. The lowest point of “J curve” was in 1989. Relative number of elderly who committed suicide remained approximately the same.

Conclusion

In particular situation of established Sanctions against FRY, suicidal rate generally increased but the elderly wasn't the most vulnerable population.