Regional suicide rates in the Netherlands: does religion still play a role?

Background This study examined the nature of ecological associations between ‘religiousness’ and suicide rates (1985–1994) in the 11 provinces in the Netherlands. Methods indices of religiousness, obtained from a nationwide survey, were used as aggreg ate predictors of provincial suicide rates in weighted linear regressions, and as individual-level predictors of suicide acceptance in logistic regressions. Socio demographic confounding was controlled for. Results Orthodox beliefs and religious affiliation were the best predictors of lower suicide acceptance in individuals and of lower suicide r... Mehr ...