Suicide among the elderly: The long-term impact of a telephone support and assessment intervention in northern Italy

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious short-term work reported fewer suicides among elderly users of a telephone helpline and emergency response service (the Tele Help–Tele Check Service).AimsTo examine long-term effects of the service on suicide in an elderly population of northern Italy.MethodThe service provided twice-weekly support and needs assessment telephone calls and a 24 h 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.ResultsSignificantly fewer suicide deaths (nOBSERVED=6) occurred among elderly service users (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 28.8%) than expected (nEXPECTED=20.86; χ2=10.58, d.f.=1, P < 0.001) despite an assumed overrepresentation of persons at increased risk. The service performed well for elderly females (nOBSERVED=2, SMR=16.6%, nEXPECTED=12.03; χ2=8.36, d.f.=1, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study confirms the initial promise of the Tele Help–Tele Check service over a much longer time period. Further research will clarify the apparent lack of benefit for elderly males.