Firearm suicide among older women in the U.S.

Contrary to the common view that older women (65+) in the United States use suicide methods that have relatively low potential for death, firearms have become the most common suicide method in this group. The present study examines the association between demographic and geographic factors and the use of firearms vs other suicide methods. Data were derived from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Detail Files (1989-1991). Results from a logistic regression analysis indicate that among white women 65 and over who died by suicide in 1989-1991, the risk of using firearms varied significantly across demographic and geographic subcategories of the population. The following characteristics among women were significantly more likely to be associated with the use of firearms as a suicide method: ages 65-74, married, of lower educational attainment, in nonmetropolitan areas, and in the South. Research is needed to assess the effects of limiting firearms on the growing proportion of firearm-related suicides among older women.