Citation

De Leo D, Dello Buono M, Dwyer J. Br. J. Psychiatry 2002; 181: 226-229.

Affiliation

Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Mt Gravatt Campus, Griffith University, 4111 Queensland, Australia. D.DeLeo@mailbox.gu.edu.au

Comment In:

Br J Psychiatry 2003;182:266-7

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12204927

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous short-term work reported fewer suicides among elderly users of a telephone helpline and emergency response service (the TeleHelp-TeleCheck Service). AIMS: To examine long-term effects of the service on suicide in an elderly population of northern Italy. METHOD: The service provided twice-weekly support and needs assessment telephone calls and a 24h emergency alarm service. Data from 1988 to 1998 allowed comparison of 18 641 service users with a comparable general population group of the Veneto region in Italy. RESULTS: Significantly fewer suicide deaths (n(OBSERVED)=6) occurred among elderly service users (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 28.8%) than expected (n(EXPECTED)=20.86; chi(2)=10.58, d.f.=1, P<0.001) despite an assumed overrepresentation of persons at increased risk. The service performed well for elderly females (n(OBSERVED)=2, SMR=16.6%, n(EXPECTED)=12.03; chi(2)=8.36, d.f.=1, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the initial promise of the TeleHelp-TeleCheck service over a much longer time period. Further research will clarify the apparent lack of benefit for elderly males.

Language: en