Suicide in Portugal: Spatial determinants in a context of economic crisis

This study compares the existing statistical association between suicide mortality and the characteristics of places of residence (municipalities), before and during the current economic crisis, in Portugal. We found that (1) the traditional culture-based North/South pattern of suicidal behaviour has faded away, while the socioeconomic urban/rural divide has become more pronounced; (2) suicide is associated with higher levels of rurality and material deprivation; and (3) recent shifts in suicidal trends may result from the current period of crisis. Strategies targeting rural areas combined with public policies that address area deprivation may have important implications for tackling suicide. •The culture-based North/South pattern of suicidal behaviour has faded away.•The urban/rural divide of suicide mortality has become more pronounced.•Suicide is associated with higher levels of rurality (for men and women).•Suicide is associated with higher material deprivation for men but not for women.•Recent shifts in suicidal trends may result from the current period of crisis.