A study exploring regional level predictors of suicide rates across time in Sweden.
In Sweden, four lives are lost to suicide each day. Hence, identifying relevant risk factors to inform effective prevention strategies is key. Such strategies can range from individual -level prevention methods, to broader national suicide prevention policies.
While individual-level risk factors are well-studied, this research aims to identify broader social and contextual determinants at national and regional levels. Using routinely collected regional and municipal-level data (e.g. from the National Board of Social Affairs and Health, or the Central Bureau of Statistics), this project examines the relation of economic, socio-demographic, and healthcare-related variables, such as trust in the healthcare system, and whether these predict changes in suicide rates over time. This public health approach is important as it can enhance our understanding of broader factors and thus inform on more comprehensive suicide prevention strategies.