Inequalities in daily variations of deaths from suicide in Lithuania: identification of possible risk factors.

The aim of this study was to analyze daily variations in mortality from suicides of Lithuanian urban and rural populations in two different periods of economic and political development of the country (1988-1990 and 1998-2000). The highest proportion of suicides occurred on Mondays and during the first days after the major public holidays, especially in men. Suicide mortality in rural areas was significantly higher in comparison to urban; nevertheless, daily variation was more marked in urban areas. Developing market economy and rising unemployment did not increase daily variation in suicides.