Small numbers, big results: Weiden--a suicide stronghold?]

Objective According to a recent survey based on the years 20052007, the highest suicide rate in Germany was found for the town Weiden (Bavaria, Upper Palatinate). We aimed at having a closer look at this finding by using a longer investigation period (20002008). Methods Suicide rates of Weiden were contrasted with suicide rates of Bavaria and Germany. Data were obtained from the Bavarian State Office for Statistics and Data Processing and the German Federal Statistical Office. Results The finding named above was based on the influence of a data outlier (2006) in the number of annual suicides which is clearly evened out by examining the longer investigation period from 2000-2008. The suicide rate of Weiden is indeed higher than suicide rate of Germany and slightly higher than suicide rate of Bavaria, but not to such a drastic degree as had been stated. Conclusions Investigation period and number of inhabitants have to be considered at interpreting suicide rate studies to prevent jumping to a conclusion.