Inter-regional variations in men's attitudes, suicide rates and sociodemographics in Quebec (Canada)

Background Suicide rates can vary quite considerably and attitudes regarding suicide may explain part of the variation. Method The present study investigated, across the 17 regions of Quebec (Canada), men's attitudes towards suicide, expressing pain and help seeking, as they are related to suicide rates and sociodemographic variables (unemployment, divorce/separation, income and education). Results Most correlations were non-significant. However, in regions with an above-average educational level and with higher divorce/separation rates, men had better attitudes towards expressing pain. Furthermore, in regions where men were more inclined to express pain, suicide rates were lower. Also, significant positive correlations were found between suicide rates and low educational level, but also between an increase in suicide rates and an increase in income level. Conclusions Where the aetiology of suicide is concerned, researchers must examine both sociodemographic factors and the psychological factors associated with them.