Evolving sex differences in suicide mortality by age in Spain, 2000–2023: a nationwide trend analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Sex disparities in suicide mortality persist worldwide, with male rates 2-4 times higher than female rates, but age-specific patterns over time remain insufficiently understood. AIM: To examine long-term trends in suicide mortality in Spain (2000-2023), focusing on sex-specific and age-specific differences and the evolution of the male-to-female suicide rate ratio. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study using national mortality data from the Spanish Statistical Office. Crude and age-adjusted suicide rates were calculated by sex and age group. Joinpoint regression assessed temporal trends and male-to-female rate ratios across 15 age groups. RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted rate showed no significant change (average annual percent change: -0.4%), with a significant decrease among men (-0.7%) and stable overall rates among women, while increases were observed in selected female age groups. Rates increased with age, particularly among men aged 70+. The male-to-female ratio widened with age, reaching 10.74 in the 95+ group, but narrowed over the study period in four age groups (15-29, 50-54, 75-79, 80-84), mainly due to declining male rates. CONCLUSION: Despite modest changes over time, marked age-related sex disparities persist. Older men remain the highest-risk group, while increases among women in midlife warrant targeted prevention.
Institutions: Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Hospital Universitari de Santa Maria, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida, Universitat de Lleida, Universidad de Navarra, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Consorci Institut D'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer, Universitat de Barcelona
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7162075478