Suicide Rates in Colorado from 1980 to 1989: Metropolitan, Nonmetropolitan, and Farm Comparisons

ABSTRACT: Suicide rates among farm populations have been reported to be higher than among other populations. Overall economic stressors and exposure to hazardous work conditions have been reported to be associated with the increased rates of suicide. The purpose of this paper is to examine the pattern of suicide among white men in Colorado, contrasting the rates of on‐farm suicides with those of other nonmetropolitan and metropolitan residents. The analysis indicated a high suicide rate in Colorado compared to white males in the United States; however, the farm suicide rate was similar to the U.S. rate. On‐farm suicide rates in Colorado were lower than suicide rates for the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan males. Prior to targeting all farm populations as at high risk for suicide, more work needs to be done assessing actual risk and considering potential differences in agricultural populations across the country.