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Suicide among the elderly: the long-term impact of a telephone support and assessment intervention in northern Italy
- Authors:
- DE LEO Diego, BUONO Marirosa Dello, DWYER Jonathan
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 181, September 2002, pp.226-229.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study examines the long-term effects of a telephone helpline and emergency response service on suicide in an elderly population of northern Italy. The service provided twice-weekly support and needs assessment telephone calls and a 24 hour emergency alarm service. Data from 1988 to 1998 allowed comparison of service users with a comparable general population group of the Veneto region in Italy. Results found significantly fewer suicides among elderly service users than expected despite an assumed overrepresentation of persons at increased risk. The service worked particularly well for older women.