Abstract
Summary: The effects of socioeconomic and geographical factors on age-specific mortality by suicide in men were assessed in 46 Japanese prefectures (counties) by stepwise regression analysis twice at 5-year intervals, before and after a serious economic crisis. The following factors were significantly related to the mortality in the two years: (1) the proportion of old and young men in the population for young men; (2) low income for middle-aged men; and (3) rural residence for elderly men. The mortality significantly increased after the crisis in young and middle-aged men, while no significant alteration was observed in elderly men. It is suggested that young and middle-aged men are more sensitive to socioeconomic changes in society while elderly men are mainly affected by the factor of rural residence.

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