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Cohen G, Rowland ST, Benavides J, Lindert J, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Parks RM. Daily temperature variability and mental health-related hospital visits in New York State. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119238. [PMID: 38815717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite plausible behavioral and physiological pathways, limited evidence exists on how daily temperature variability is associated with acute mental health-related episodes. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore associations between daily temperature range (DTR) and mental health-related hospital visits using data of all hospital records in New York State during 1995-2014. We further examined factors that may modify these associations, including age, sex, hospital visit type and season. METHODS Using a case-crossover design with distributed lag non-linear DTR terms (0-6 days), we estimated associations between ZIP Code-level DTR and hospital visits for mood (4.6 million hospital visits), anxiety (2.4 million), adjustment (∼368,000), and schizophrenia disorders (∼211,000), controlling for daily mean temperature, via conditional logistic regression models. We assessed potential heterogeneity by age, sex, hospital visit type (in-patient vs. out-patient), and season (summer, winter, and transition seasons). RESULTS For all included outcomes, we observed positive associations from period minimum DTR (0.1 °C) until 25th percentile (5.2 °C) and between mean DTR (7.7 °C) and 90th percentile (12.2 °C), beyond which we observed negative associations. For mood disorders, an increase in DTR from 0.1 °C to 12.2 °C was associated with a cumulative 16.0% increase (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.8, 19.2%) in hospital visit rates. This increase was highest during transition seasons (32.5%; 95%CI: 26.4, 39.0%) compared with summer (10.7%; 95%CI: 4.8, 16.8%) and winter (-1.6%; 95%CI: -7.6, 4.7%). For adjustment and schizophrenia disorders, the strongest associations were seen among the youngest group (0-24 years) with almost no association in the oldest group (65+ years). We observed no evidence for modification by sex and hospital visit type. DISCUSSION Daily temperature variability was positively associated with mental health-related hospital visits within specific DTR ranges in New York State, after controlling for daily mean temperature. Given uncertainty on how climate change modifies temperature variability, additional research is crucial to comprehend the implications of these findings, particularly under different scenarios of future temperature variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Cohen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Sebastian T Rowland
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaime Benavides
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jutta Lindert
- Department of Health and Social Work, University of Applied Sciences Emden, Emden, Germany
| | | | - Robbie M Parks
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Pińskwar I, Choryński A, Graczyk D. Good weather for a ride (or not?): how weather conditions impact road accidents - a case study from Wielkopolska (Poland). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024; 68:317-331. [PMID: 38060012 PMCID: PMC10794278 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
This study offers a likely assessment of extreme meteorological events' impact on human perceptivity, frame of mind or even health during driving which might have had a consequence as a car accident. Research covered an analysis of car accidents during period 2010-2019 in the Wielkopolska (Poland) and four indices like maximum daily temperature, maximum value of humidex, difference between maximum temperatures observed from day to day and also difference between mean atmospheric pressure at the sea level observed from day to day. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) approach was used to obtain the relationship between these indices and car accidents. Our finding evidence that the "good weather for a ride" conditions are actually generating an increased risk of accidents. For indices related to high temperature, i.e., maximum temperature and humidex, it was possible to identify the critical values by which the risks of car accidents were the highest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Pińskwar
- Department of Land Improvement, Environmental Development and Spatial Management, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Piątkowska 94E, 60- 649 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Adam Choryński
- Meteorology Laboratory, Department of Construction and Geoengineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Piątkowska 94, 60-649 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dariusz Graczyk
- Department of Land Improvement, Environmental Development and Spatial Management, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Piątkowska 94E, 60- 649 Poznań, Poland
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3
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Shoib S, Hussaini SS, Armiya’u AY, Saeed F, Őri D, Roza TH, Gürcan A, Agrawal A, Solerdelcoll M, Lucero-Prisno III DE, Nahidi M, Swed S, Ahmed S, Chandradasa M. Prevention of suicides associated with global warming: perspectives from early career psychiatrists. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1251630. [PMID: 38045615 PMCID: PMC10693336 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1251630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change poses significant challenges to global mental health, with potential consequences including increased rates of suicide and mental health disorders. Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The Climate Psychiatry Alliance, a group of psychiatrists dedicated to improving mental health amidst climate change, recognizes the importance of cultivating climate-aware ECPs. Training ECPs to become confident climate-aware clinicians enables them to effectively treat patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD in the context of climate-related distress. Together with other mental health professionals, ECPs can contribute to efforts by implementing strategies for monitoring and treating mental health problems arising from climate events. Additionally, they can raise awareness about the psychological consequences and risks of suicide associated with climate change. Collaboration among ECPs from various regions is essential in developing community-based approaches and reducing vulnerabilities. ECPs must prioritize supporting vulnerable populations by advocating for increased funding for mental health support and research in affected areas. Long-term solutions to address the mental health impacts of climate change and global warming should be pursued to mitigate future suicidality. Integrating climate considerations into local mental health programs and expanding psychological support services is crucial. By promoting emotional resilience and self-awareness, ECPs can contribute to building a more climate-resilient and mentally healthy society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Shoib
- Department of Health Services, Srinagar, India
- Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
- Psychosis Research Centre, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Healing Mind and Wellness Initiative, Nawab Bzar, Srinagar, India
| | | | - Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | | | - Dorottya Őri
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Mental Health, Heim Pal National Paediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thiago Henrique Roza
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ahmet Gürcan
- Department of Psychiatry, Başkent University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Aditi Agrawal
- St Elizabeth Medical Centre, Boston University Affiliate, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mireia Solerdelcoll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mahsa Nahidi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Sarlon J, Partonen T, Lang UE. Potential links between brown adipose tissue, circadian dysregulation, and suicide risk. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1196029. [PMID: 37360180 PMCID: PMC10288144 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1196029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian desynchronizations are associated with psychiatric disorders as well as with higher suicidal risk. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important in the regulation of body temperature and contributes to the homeostasis of the metabolic, cardiovascular, skeletal muscle or central nervous system. BAT is under neuronal, hormonal and immune control and secrets batokines: i.e., autocrine, paracrine and endocrine active substances. Moreover, BAT is involved in circadian system. Light, ambient temperature as well as exogen substances interact with BAT. Thus, a dysregulation of BAT can indirectly worsen psychiatric conditions and the risk of suicide, as one of previously suggested explanations for the seasonality of suicide rate. Furthermore, overactivation of BAT is associated with lower body weight and lower level of blood lipids. Reduced body mass index (BMI) or decrease in BMI respectively, as well as lower triglyceride concentrations were found to correlate with higher risk of suicide, however the findings are inconclusive. Hyperactivation or dysregulation of BAT in relation to the circadian system as a possible common factor is discussed. Interestingly, substances with proven efficacy in reducing suicidal risk, like clozapine or lithium, interact with BAT. The effects of clozapine on fat tissue are stronger and might differ qualitatively from other antipsychotics; however, the significance remains unclear. We suggest that BAT is involved in the brain/environment homeostasis and deserves attention from a psychiatric point of view. Better understanding of circadian disruptions and its mechanisms can contribute to personalized diagnostic and therapy as well as better assessment of suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sarlon
- University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timo Partonen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Undine E. Lang
- University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Aghababaeian H, Sharafkhani R, Kiarsi M, Mehranfar S, Moosavi A, Araghi Ahvazi L, Aboubakri O. Diurnal temperature range and hospital admission due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Dezful, a city with hot climate and high DTR fluctuation in Iran: an ecological time-series study. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023:10.1007/s10653-023-01533-8. [PMID: 37000334 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The results of previous studies have indicated the effects of temperature changes on health status. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of diurnal temperature range (DTR) and hospital admission on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Dezful, in Iran. In this ecological time-series study, data related to hospital admissions based on ICD-10, meteorological, and climatological data were gathered over a period of six years from 2014 to 2019. A distributed lag nonlinear model combined with a quasi-Poisson regression was then used to assess the impact of DTR on cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions. Potential confounders, including wind speed, air pollution, seasonality, time trend, weekends and holidays, days of week, and humidity were controlled. In extreme low DTRs, the cumulative effects of cardiovascular admissions significantly increased in total, and in warm and cold seasons (Lag0-21, P ≤ 0.05). In addition, in extreme high DTRs, the cumulative effects of cardiovascular significantly decreased in total (Lag0-13 and Lag0-21, P ≤ 0.05), and in warm (Lag0-21, P ≤ 0.05) and cold seasons (Lag0-21, P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, respiratory admissions significantly decreased in total (Lag0-21, P ≤ 0.05) and in warm season (Lag0-21, P ≤ 0.05).Our result indicates that extreme low DTRs could increase the risk of daily cardiovascular admissions, and extreme high DTRs may cause a protective effect on daily respiratory and cardiovascular admissions in some regions with high fluctuations in DTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Aghababaeian
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Rahim Sharafkhani
- School of Public Health, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran.
| | - Maryam Kiarsi
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Shahzad Mehranfar
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Ahmad Moosavi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Ladan Araghi Ahvazi
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Omid Aboubakri
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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6
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Corvetto JF, Helou AY, Dambach P, Müller T, Sauerborn R. A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Climate Change on the Global Demand for Psychiatric Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1190. [PMID: 36673946 PMCID: PMC9858749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change (CC) imposes important global health risks, including on mental health (MH). They are related mostly to psychological suffering caused by climate-related events and to the heat-vulnerability caused by psychiatric disorders. This growing burden may press MH services worldwide, increasing demand on public and private systems in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to PRISMA, two independent reviewers searched four databases for papers published before May 2022 that associated climate-related events with healthcare demand for psychiatric conditions. Of the 7432 papers retrieved, we included 105. Only 29 were carried out in low- and middle-income countries. Twelve related the admission numbers to (i) extreme events, while 93 to (ii) meteorological factors-mostly heat. Emergency visits and hospitalizations were significantly higher during hot periods for MH disorders, especially until lag 5-7. Extreme events also caused more consultations. Suicide (completed or attempted), substance misuse, schizophrenia, mood, organic and neurotic disorders, and mortality were strongly affected by CC. This high healthcare demand is evidence of the burden patients may undergo. In addition, public and private services may face a shortage of financial and human resources. Finally, the increased use of healthcare facilities, in turn, intensifies greenhouse gas emissions, representing a self-enforcing cycle for CC. Further research is needed to better clarify how extreme events affect MH services and, in addition, if services in low- and middle-income countries are more intensely demanded by CC, as compared to richer countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Feriato Corvetto
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ammir Yacoub Helou
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Peter Dambach
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Yu L, Zhou T, Shao M, Zhang T, Wang J, Ma Y, Xu S, Chen Y, Zhu J, Pan F. The role of meteorological factors in suicide mortality in Wuhu, a humid city along the Yangtze River in Eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9558-9575. [PMID: 36057060 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As the climate continues to change, suicide is becoming more frequent. In this study, absolute humidity (AH) was included for the first time and Wuhu, a typical subtropical city along the Yangtze River, was taken as the research object to explore the impact of suicide death risk on meteorological factors. The daily meteorological factors and suicide mortality data of Wuhu city from 2014 to 2020 were collected. Guided by structural equation model (SEM), a time series analysis method combining distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) and generalized additive model (GAM) was adopted. To investigate the correlation among different populations, we stratified age and gender at different meteorological levels. A total of 1259 suicide deaths were collected in Wuhu. The results indicated that exceedingly low and low levels of AH short-term exposure increased suicide mortality, with the maximum effect occurring at lag 14 for both levels of exposure, when the relative risk (RR) was 1.131 (95% CI: 1.030, 1.242) and 1.065 (95% CI: 1.006, 1.127), respectively. Exposure to exceedingly high and exceedingly low levels of temperature mean (T mean) also increased suicide mortality, with maximum RR values of 1.132 (lag 14, 95% CI: 1.015, 1.263) and 1.203 (lag 0, 95% CI: 1.079, 1.340), sequentially. As for diurnal temperature range (DTR), low-level exposure decreased the risk of suicide, while high-level exposure increased this risk, with RR values of 0.955 (lag 0, 95% CI: 0.920, 0.991, minimum) and 1.060 (lag 0, 95% CI: 1.018, 1.104, maximum), sequentially. Stratified analysis showed that AH and DTR increased the suicide death risk in male and elderly people, while the risk effect of T mean have no effect on young people only. In summary, male and elderly people appear to be more vulnerable to adverse weather effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ming Shao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jinian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Wuhu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China.
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Frangione B, Rodríguez Villamizar LA, Lang JJ, Colman I, Lavigne E, Peters C, Anisman H, Villeneuve PJ. Short-term changes in meteorological conditions and suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112230. [PMID: 34688638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of death, particularly for young adults. Suicidal behaviours are influenced by a wide-range of personal, social, and cultural factors. Emerging evidence suggests that daily changes in meteorological conditions, including temperature, increases the risk of suicide. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined associations between either daily, or weekly, variations for eight meteorological variables and suicide outcomes (attempts, or deaths). Meta-analytic methods were applied to derive summary measures of association using random effect models. We assessed the heterogeneity in these associations by region and biological sex. RESULTS We identified 29 studies of suicide. Of these, 26 reported associations between temperature, while fewer studies reported on rain (n = 4), solar radiation (n = 4), humidity (n = 3), sunshine (n = 3), atmospheric pressure (n = 2), wind (n = 2) and cloud cover (n = 2). The overall relative risk for suicide deaths/attempts per 1 °C increase in ambient temperature was 1.016 (95% CI: 1.013-1.019). Subgroup analysis of temperature found stronger associations with suicide when using the maximum rather than the mean daily temperature, among men, and for completed suicides relative to attempts. Regionally, the strongest associations were found in the East Asia and Pacific region. While associations were found for solar radiation and cloud coverage and suicide, we did not undertake a meta-analysis for these exposures as it was not possible to standardize measures of association across studies. Statistically significant associations were not observed for other identified meteorological variables. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that daily increases in temperature increase the risk of suicide, particularly, among men and in the East Asia and Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Frangione
- Faculty of Science, Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, K1S 5B6, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Justin J Lang
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, K1S 5H4, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Science, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, K1S 5B6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ian Colman
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, K1S 5B6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Eric Lavigne
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa/université d'Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Ottawa, Canada; Health Canada/Santé Canada, K1A 0K9, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cheryl Peters
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Ottawa, Canada; Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, T2S 3C3, Calgary, Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 4N1, Calgary, Canada
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- Faculty of Science, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, K1S 5B6, Ottawa, Canada; CHAIM Research Centre, Carleton University, K1S 5B6, Ottawa, Canada.
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Giacomini G, Aguglia A, Amerio A, Escelsior A, Capello M, Cutroneo L, Ferretti G, Scafidi D, Serafini G, Amore M. The Need for Collective Awareness of Attempted Suicide Rates in a Warming Climate. CRISIS 2021; 43:157-160. [PMID: 33565340 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: Climate factors may offer a stronger explanation of the variations in suicide rates compared with economic variables, even in the case of patients admitted involuntarily. Aims: We assessed the role of temperature as a determinant of the increased prevalence of suicide attempts (SA). Method: The sample comprised all cases of hospitalization for SA at the Psychiatric Clinic of the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino between August 2013 and July 2018. For ambient temperature, data were provided by the Meteorological Observatory of the University of Genoa. Results: We noted a peak in suicides that was typically found in late spring and early summer due to global warming. Limitations: Other environmental/psychological factors contributing to the onset of an acute clinical event were not considered. The cross-sectional design of the study is another limitation. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to clarify the impact of climatic factors on suicide behavior and implement early intervention and preventive strategies for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giacomini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Mood Disorders Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Escelsior
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Santurtún A, Almendra R, Silva GL, Fdez-Arroyabe P, Santurtún M, Santana P. Suicide and apparent temperature in the two capitals cities in the iberian peninsula. Soc Sci Med 2020; 265:113411. [PMID: 33045652 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Different authors have identified geographic variations in the rates of suicide. This study aims to discuss the limitations of the officially recorded suicide data and to evaluate the statistical relationship between a biometeorological index, Apparent Temperature (AT), and suicide in Madrid and Lisbon. We performed a time-series study. The association was analyzed using a quasi-Poisson regression model. To assess potential delayed and non-linear effects of AT on suicides, a lag non-linear model was fitted in a generalized additive model. There was an average rate of 3.30 suicides/100,000 inhabitants in Madrid and of 7.92 suicides/100,000 inhabitants in Lisbon, and a downward trend was found throughout the period. In Madrid, there is no statistically significant association between AT and suicide. However, in Lisbon, under higher AT, there was a higher risk of suicide. The highest accumulated statistically significant Relative Risk (RR) of suicide was detected at 7 days after the exposure, when at 38 °C, the risk of suicide is 2.7 times that existing at the median AT, 20.62°. The average mortality rate recorded in Lisbon was 41.6% higher than that registered in Madrid. However, the limitations of suicide record databases in Spain and Portugal have to be taken into account when analyzing incidence and especially when comparing data from different countries. It is necessary to improve the filing systems of violent deaths in order to perform reliable epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santurtún
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Almendra
- Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Colégio de São Jerónimo, University of Coimbra, 3004-530, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Giovani L Silva
- Department of Mathematics, Instituto Superior Técnico and Centre of Statistics and Applications. University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Pablo Fdez-Arroyabe
- Department of Geography, Urban Planning and Territorial Planning, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Maite Santurtún
- Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Centro Hospitalario Padre Menni, Santander, Spain.
| | - Paula Santana
- Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Colégio de São Jerónimo, University of Coimbra, 3004-530, Coimbra, Portugal.
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11
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Aguglia A, Solano P, Parisi VM, Asaro P, Caprino M, Trabucco A, Amerio A, Amore M, Serafini G. Predictors of relapse in high lethality suicide attempters: a six-month prospective study. J Affect Disord 2020; 271:328-335. [PMID: 32479332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study is aimed to investigate the association between clinical, metabolic, inflammatory and environmental (photoperiod defined as daily sunlight exposure) parameters and suicide re-attempts after the index suicide attempt. Possible predictors of suicide re-attempts were also explored. METHODS Overall, 432 subjects with suicide attempts, of which 79 relapsed within the following six months were included in this prospective study. We adopted the Joiner's definition of suicide lethality, as "the acquired ability to enact lethal self-injury". The Cox regression was used to test the association between the mentioned variables and Kaplan-Meier plots showed the trend of suicide re-attempts. RESULTS Among participants, 30.8% committed a high-lethality suicide attempt. Cox regression confirmed the association between lifetime suicide attempts and number of suicide attempts in the study time-frame and suicide-reattempts. The longer photoperiod (Spring/Summer) was associated with suicide re-attempts, particularly patients with admission in June/July for the index event. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipo-protein cholesterol and c-reactive protein serum levels were significantly associated with suicide re-attempts but Cox regression confirmed only the association between lower TC serum levels and suicide re-attempt. LIMITATIONS Patients' seasonal environment, psychological factors, presence of acute life-events fostering the suicidal crisis and detailed medical history have been not investigated. Findings were derived from a single psychiatric unit. CONCLUSIONS Lifetime suicide attempts, higher number of previous suicide attempts, lower total cholesterol levels, and suicide attempt during longer photoperiod were significant predictors of suicide re-attempts. Further studies are needed in order to better characterize single- vs. multiple suicide attempter's profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Paola Solano
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Maria Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Asaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Caprino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Trabucco
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Mood Disorders Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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12
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Hot Weather and Suicide Deaths among Older Adults in Hong Kong, 1976-2014: A Retrospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103449. [PMID: 32429190 PMCID: PMC7277427 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Findings of the association between hot weather and suicide in a subtropical city such as Hong Kong are inconsistent. This study aimed to revisit the association by identifying meteorological risk factors for older-adult suicides in Hong Kong using a time-series approach. A retrospective study was conducted on older-adult (aged ≥65) suicide deaths in Hong Kong from 1976 to 2014. Suicides were classified into those involving violent methods and those involving nonviolent methods. Meteorological data, including ambient temperature, were retrieved. Transfer function time-series models were fitted. In total, 7314 older-adult suicide deaths involving violent methods and 630 involving nonviolent methods were recorded. For violent-method suicides, a monthly average daily minimum ambient temperature was determined to best predict the monthly rate, and a daily maximum ambient temperature of 30.3 °C was considered the threshold. For suicide deaths involving nonviolent methods, the number of days in a month for which the daily maximum ambient temperature exceeded 32.7 °C could best predict the monthly rate. Higher ambient temperature was associated with more older-adult suicide deaths, both from violent and nonviolent methods. Weather-focused preventive measures for older-adult suicides are necessary, such as the provision of more public air-conditioned areas where older adults can shelter from extreme hot weather.
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13
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Luan G, Yin P, Wang L, Zhou M. Associations between ambient high temperatures and suicide mortality: a multi-city time-series study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:20377-20385. [PMID: 31102219 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05252-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Suicide prevention has become a public health issue of great concern. Previous studies proved that ambient temperature had an impact on suicide death, but few studies focus on regional studies in large cities. We aimed to estimate the association between ambient temperature and suicide in 31 capital cities in China during 2008~2013. Distributed lag non-linear model was used to explore the relationship between ambient temperature and suicide, adjusting for long-term trend, seasonality, and humidity confounders. Multivariate meta-analysis was used to pool the city-specific estimates to explore the overall relative risk in China. High temperature had a significant impact on suicide death. The country-level relative risk of high temperature on suicide was 1.37 (95% CI, 0.96~2.57), and the RR was higher in male and age < 65-year-old group than that in female and age ≥ 65-year-old group. There has no consistent pattern of associations in city-level with sex and age. The high temperature has a greater impact on suicide in south region compared with north region. We found the positive association between ambient temperature and suicide in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijie Luan
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No.16992 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Maigeng Zhou
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
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Sugg MM, Dixon PG, Runkle JD. Crisis support-seeking behavior and temperature in the United States: Is there an association in young adults and adolescents? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 669:400-411. [PMID: 30884264 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence demonstrates the relationship between high temperatures and adverse mental health outcomes. Yet, no study has examined the influence of temperature on crisis support-seeking behavior among youth in large urban areas. METHODS Crisis Text Line (CTL) is a text messaging service that provides crisis interventions for support-seeking individuals for a range of mental-health outcomes in the United States. We applied a distributed lag non-linear modeling technique to assess the short-term impacts of daily maximum and minimum temperature on crisis-related events in four metropolitan locations in the USA. RESULTS There were multiple positive associations in three of the four study locations that demonstrate crisis help-seeking behavior increased during anomalously warm conditions. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that there is a significant association between high minimum or maximum temperatures and crisis help-seeking behaviors in young adults and adolescents in urban areas in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 32066, Boone, NC 28608, United States of America.
| | - P Grady Dixon
- Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601-4099, United States of America.
| | - Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, United States of America,.
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15
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Aguglia A, Serafini G, Solano P, Giacomini G, Conigliaro C, Salvi V, Mencacci C, Romano M, Aguglia E, Amore M. The role of seasonality and photoperiod on the lethality of suicide attempts: A case-control study. J Affect Disord 2019; 246:895-901. [PMID: 30795496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.12.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk factors related to suicidal behaviors are complex and not yet fully known. Several studies underline how suicide results from the combination of psycho-social, biological, cultural, and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of seasonality and photoperiod on high-lethality suicide attempts (HLSA) compared with low-lethality suicide attempts (LLSA) in a sample of psychiatric inpatients. METHODS After attempting suicide, subjects were admitted in the emergency/psychiatric ward of the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino from 1st August 2013 to 31st July 2018. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. RESULTS The sample consisted of four hundred thirty-two individuals admitted for suicide attempt. One hundred thirty-three subjects (30.8%) of the sample committed a HLSA. The HLSA group peaked in the months with a higher sunlight exposure (June and July). Bivariate correlation analyses between seasonality/photoperiod in the whole sample and HLSA were positively associated with summer and highest solar intensity period. LIMITATIONS Data were limited to a single hospital, patients' seasonal environment, meteorological variables and psychological factors. In addition, the presence of acute life-events fostering the suicidal crisis has not been investigated. CONCLUSIONS The current study provides a novel perspective on the questions surrounding the impact of seasonality and daylight exposure on lethality of suicide attempts. further studies are needed to provide deeper understandings on the delicate molecular network that links suicide behaviors, seasonality and daylight in order to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Section of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Section of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Solano
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Section of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giacomini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Section of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Conigliaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Section of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Virginio Salvi
- Department of Neuroscience, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Mencacci
- Department of Neuroscience, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Miroslav Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Psychiatric Clinic University Hospital "Gaspare Rodolico", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Psychiatric Clinic University Hospital "Gaspare Rodolico", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Section of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Hu K, Guo Y, Yang X, Zhong J, Fei F, Chen F, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Chen G, Chen Q, Ye T, Li S, Qi J. Temperature variability and mortality in rural and urban areas in Zhejiang province, China: An application of a spatiotemporal index. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:1044-1051. [PMID: 30180312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temperature variability (TV) is a potential trigger for death in urban areas, but there is little evidence of this in rural areas. In addition, a typical TV index only considers the temporal variability of temperature and ignores its spatial variability, which should be considered due to the effects of human mobility. Here this study aimed to 1) develop a novel spatiotemporal TV index accounting for human mobility; and 2) based on this index, explore the urban-rural differences in TV-mortality associations in China. METHODS We collected daily data on fine-gridded hourly temperatures and >2 million deaths that occurred in Zhejiang province, China from 2009 to 2015. A spatiotemporal TV index was developed by calculating the standard deviation of the hourly temperatures from multi-site records over the course of several exposure days. A three-stage analysis was performed to estimate the mortality risks and mortality burdens of TV. Stratified analyses were performed by cause-specific mortality, urban/rural district, age and gender. RESULTS Significant associations were found between TV and all types of targeted diseases, age groups, and genders. Percentage increase in mortality associated with a 1 °C increase in TV at 0-7 exposure days were found to be higher for rural dwellers than urban dwellers in the warm season [for all-cause mortality, 2.07% (95% CI: 1.49%, 2.64%) vs. 1.16% (95%CI: 0.70%, 1.62%)]. An estimated all-cause mortality fraction of 5.33% was attributable to TV, with 4.99% in urban areas and 6.02% in rural areas. The elderly (aged 65+ years) and females were more sensitive to TV than young people and males, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A spatiotemporal TV index was developed, considering both the temporal and spatial variability of temperatures. TV is an independent health risk factor. In China, rural areas generally suffer greater TV-related mortality risks than urban areas in the warm season. Our findings have important implications for developing area-, cause-, and group-specific adaptation strategies and emergency planning to reduce TV-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Hu
- Institute of Island and Coastal Ecosystems, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Xuchao Yang
- Institute of Island and Coastal Ecosystems, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China; Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, USA.
| | - Jieming Zhong
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Fangrong Fei
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Zhejiang Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Island and Coastal Ecosystems, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Tingting Ye
- Institute of Island and Coastal Ecosystems, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Jiaguo Qi
- Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, USA
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Gao J, Cheng Q, Duan J, Xu Z, Bai L, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Wang S, Zhang Z, Su H. Ambient temperature, sunlight duration, and suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 646:1021-1029. [PMID: 30235587 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between sunlight hours, temperature, and suicide has been investigated in many previous studies, but with inconsistent findings. We conducted this meta-analysis aiming at providing clear evidence about whether sunlight hours and temperature can affect the risk of suicide. METHODS Relevant literature published before 7 Jul 2018 was searched in three electronic database of PubMed, Web of science and Cochrane. Between-study heterogeneity in the effect estimates were examined by study design (i.e., exposure time resolution, temperature measure and suicide classification) and population vulnerability (i.e., sex, national income level, climate zone and study location). RESULTS Regarding temperature-suicide association, we identified 14 studies that provided 23 effect estimates for meta-analysis. Our random-effects model showed that each 1 °C increase in temperature was significantly associated with a 1% increase in the incidence of suicide (Incidence Rate Radio (IRR) = 1.01; 95%CI = 1.00-1.02; p < 0.05). As for sunlight duration and suicide, 11 effect estimates from 4 studies were pooled using a fixed-effects model. Significant association between sunlight duration (per 1 h increase) and the risk of suicide was not observed, and the pooled IRR was 1.00 (95%CI = 0.99-1.01; p > 0.05). There was significant heterogeneity between previous studies' effect estimates, and significantly lower heterogeneity was noted for the female group, for studies that did analyses at daily scale, and for studies using mean temperature as the exposure indicator. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a significant and positive association between temperature rises and incidence of suicide, and a non-significant association between sunlight duration and incidence of suicide. Populations living in tropical and temperate zones or at middle-income level may be particularly vulnerable to temperature increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Jun Duan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Lijun Bai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Yanwu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Shusi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, China.
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Henriksson HE, White RA, Sylvén SM, Papadopoulos FC, Skalkidou A. Meteorological parameters and air pollen count in association with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms. Eur Psychiatry 2018; 54:10-18. [PMID: 30031991 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meteorological parameters and air pollen count have been associated with affective disorders and suicide. Regarding peripartum depression, the literature is restricted and inconclusive. METHODS This cross-sectional study included women (pregnant, n = 3843; postpartum, n = 3757) who participated in the BASIC (Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging, and Cognition) study 2010-2015 and the UPPSAT (Uppsala-Athens) study (postpartum, n = 1565) in 2006-2007. Cases were defined according to presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy (gestational week 32) and 6 weeks postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Exposure of sunshine, temperature, precipitation, snow coverage, and air pollen counts of durations of 1, 7, and 42 days prior to the outcome were studied for associations with depressive symptoms, using negative binomial regression. RESULTS Prior to Bonferroni correction, the concentration of mugwort pollen, both one week and six weeks before the EPDS assessment at gestational week 32, was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in pregnancy, both before and after adjustment for season. No associations were found between the exposure to meteorological parameters and pollen and depressive symptoms, at the same day of depressive symptoms' assessment, the previous week, or the six weeks prior to assessment, either during pregnancy or postpartum after Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence that neither short-term nor long-term exposure to meteorological parameters or air pollen counts were associated with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms in Uppsala, Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna E Henriksson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Sara M Sylvén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
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Dixon PG, Kalkstein AJ. Where are weather-suicide associations valid? An examination of nine US counties with varying seasonality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:685-697. [PMID: 27822625 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-016-1265-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
There has been much research on the associations between weather variables and suicide rates. However, the state of understanding has remained rather stagnant due to many contradictory findings. The purpose of this project is to examine a larger database of suicides that includes a longer and more recent period of record (1975-2010) across numerous locations in the USA. In all, we examine nine total counties (and the primary city associated with them) with a special effort made to compare locations with varying degrees of temperature seasonality: Cook (Chicago), Fulton (Atlanta), King (Seattle), Los Angeles (Los Angeles), Maricopa (Phoenix), Miami-Dade (Miami), Philadelphia (Philadelphia), Salt Lake (Salt Lake City), and St. Louis (St. Louis). We first examine the unique seasonal cycle in suicides evident in each locale and then use distributed lag nonlinear modeling (DLNM) to relate the suicide data to daily surface temperatures. Results suggest that a late spring/summer peak generally exists in suicide rates, and above average temperatures are associated with increased suicide risk in almost all study counties. Further, it appears that these associations can be found in both mid-latitude and sub-tropical climate types.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Grady Dixon
- Department of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, 600 Park St, Hays, KS, USA.
| | - Adam J Kalkstein
- Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, USA
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20
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Galvão PVM, Silva HRSE, Silva CMFPD. Temporal distribution of suicide mortality: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2018; 228:132-142. [PMID: 29247901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND suicide is a problem with world impact and the leading cause of premature deaths. The study of its distribution over time can bring a changed understanding of parameters attributed to, and the prevention of, suicide. AIM to identify the temporal pattern of suicide by systematic review. METHODS Pubmed (Medline), LILACS, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Science Direct and Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) and PsyNET (APA) were searched, using suicide-related descriptors and terms, for observational epidemiological studies of the temporal distribution of suicide. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016038470). LIMITATIONS The lack of uniformity in reporting or standardisation of methodology in the studies selected, hindered comparison of populations with similar socioeconomic and cultural profiles, considerably limiting the scope of the results of this review. RESULTS forty-five studies from 26 different countries were included in this review. Clear seasonal patterns were observed by day of the week, month, season and age-period-cohort effects. Few studies studied by trend, time of day or day of the month. CONCLUSION the review findings provide further evidence of substantial temporal patterns influenced by geographic, climatic and social conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliana Valéria Machado Galvão
- Department of Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods in Health, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil.
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21
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Kuivalainen S, Vehviläinen-Julkunen K, Louheranta O, Putkonen A, Repo-Tiihonen E, Tiihonen J. Seasonal variation of hospital violence, seclusion and restraint in a forensic psychiatric hospital. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2017; 52:1-6. [PMID: 28506820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have reported seasonal patterns in both violent and self-destructive behaviour. However, a few studies on hospital violence have found contradictory results. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was any seasonal variation of violence in a forensic psychiatric hospital providing care for persons suffering from psychotic disorders and violent or self-destructive behaviour. Seasonal variation of the prevalence of seclusion and restraint was also investigated. Reports of violent incidents and seclusion and restraint statistics from between 2007 and 2012 were examined with Poisson regression analysis. There was significant variation in the prevalence of seclusion and restraint between months (p<0.001), and between seasons (p<0.001). Monthly prevalence of seclusion and restraint was the lowest in January compared to other months. In comparison, the prevalence of seclusion and restraint was lower in winter than in other seasons. In a hospital with persons suffering from psychotic disorders, no significant variation of violence or self-destructive behaviour was found, similarly as in the society. By contrast, the prevalence of seclusion and restraint showed marked seasonality. Variation in the prevalence of seclusion and restraint was not consistent with the variance in violence, which implies that the use of coercive measures is related to seasonal variation among staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Kuivalainen
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, FI-70240 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Katri Vehviläinen-Julkunen
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, FI-70200 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Olavi Louheranta
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, FI-70240 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Anu Putkonen
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, FI-70240 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eila Repo-Tiihonen
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, FI-70240 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvankuja 65, FI-70240 Kuopio, Finland; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Byggnad R5, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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Fernández-Arteaga V, Tovilla-Zárate CA, Fresán A, González-Castro TB, Juárez-Rojop IE, López-Narváez L, Hernández-Díaz Y. Association between completed suicide and environmental temperature in a Mexican population, using the Knowledge Discovery in Database approach. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 135:219-224. [PMID: 27586493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Suicide is a worldwide health problem and climatological characteristics have been associated with suicide behavior. However, approaches such as the Knowledge Discovery in Database are not frequently used to search for an association between climatological characteristics and suicide. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between weather data and suicide in a Mexican population. METHODS We used the information of 1357 patients who completed suicide from 2005 to 2012. Alternatively, weather data were provided by the National Water Commission. We used the Knowledge Discovery in Database approach with an Apriori algorithm and the data analyses were performed with the Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis software. One hundred rules of association were generated with a confidence of 0.86 and support of 1. RESULTS We found an association between environmental temperature and suicide: days with no rain and temperatures between 30 °C and 40 °C (86-104 °F) were related to males completing suicide by hanging. CONCLUSIONS In the prevention of suicidal behavior, the Knowledge Discovery in Database could be used to establish climatological characteristics and their association with suicide. This approach must be considered in future prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Fernández-Arteaga
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico.
| | - Ana Fresán
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Thelma Beatriz González-Castro
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Isela E Juárez-Rojop
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
| | | | - Yazmín Hernández-Díaz
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, Mexico
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23
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Lin GZ, Li L, Song YF, Zhou YX, Shen SQ, Ou CQ. The impact of ambient air pollution on suicide mortality: a case-crossover study in Guangzhou, China. Environ Health 2016; 15:90. [PMID: 27576574 PMCID: PMC5004265 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventing suicide is a global imperative. Although the effects of social and individual risk factors of suicide have been widely investigated, evidence of environmental effects of exposure to air pollution is scarce. We investigated the effects of ambient air pollution on suicide mortality in Guangzhou, China during 2003-2012. METHODS A conditional logistic regression analysis with a time-stratified case-crossover design was performed to assess the effects of daily exposure to three standard air pollutants, including particulate matter less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), on suicide mortality, after adjusting for the confounding effects of daily mean temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and sunshine duration. Further analyses were stratified by season, gender, age group, educational attainment and suicide type. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2012, there were a total of 1 550 registered suicide deaths in Guangzhou. A significant increase in suicide risk were associated with interquartile-range increases in the concentration of air pollutant, with an odds ratio of 1.13 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.27) and 1.15 (95 % CI: 1.03, 1.28) for PM10 and NO2 at lag 02, and 1.12 (95 % CI: 1.02, 1.23) for SO2 at lag 01, respectively. The suicide risks related to air pollution for males and people with high education level were higher than for females and those with low education level, respectively. Significant air pollution effects were found on violent suicide mortality and in cool season but not on non-violent suicide mortality or in warm season. CONCLUSIONS Suicide risk was positively associated with ambient air pollution levels. This finding would provide important information for the health impact assessment of air pollution and for the development of effective strategies and interventions for the prevention of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Zhen Lin
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440 China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Yun-Feng Song
- Intensive Care Unit, Guangdong No.2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
| | - Ying-Xue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Shuang-Quan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Chun-Quan Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
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24
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Peng YF, Tang JH, Fu YC, Fan IC, Hor MK, Chan TC. Analyzing Personal Happiness from Global Survey and Weather Data: A Geospatial Approach. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153638. [PMID: 27078263 PMCID: PMC4831775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Past studies have shown that personal subjective happiness is associated with various macro- and micro-level background factors, including environmental conditions, such as weather and the economic situation, and personal health behaviors, such as smoking and exercise. We contribute to this literature of happiness studies by using a geospatial approach to examine both macro and micro links to personal happiness. Our geospatial approach incorporates two major global datasets: representative national survey data from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) and corresponding world weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). After processing and filtering 55,081 records of ISSP 2011 survey data from 32 countries, we extracted 5,420 records from China and 25,441 records from 28 other countries. Sensitivity analyses of different intervals for average weather variables showed that macro-level conditions, including temperature, wind speed, elevation, and GDP, are positively correlated with happiness. To distinguish the effects of weather conditions on happiness in different seasons, we also adopted climate zone and seasonal variables. The micro-level analysis indicated that better health status and eating more vegetables or fruits are highly associated with happiness. Never engaging in physical activity appears to make people less happy. The findings suggest that weather conditions, economic situations, and personal health behaviors are all correlated with levels of happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Peng
- Department of Computer Science, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jia-Hong Tang
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yang-chih Fu
- Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (YCF); (TCC)
| | - I-chun Fan
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Maw-Kae Hor
- Department of Computer Science, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- School of Informatics, Kainan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ta-Chien Chan
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (YCF); (TCC)
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Silveira ML, Wexler L, Chamberlain J, Money K, Spencer RMC, Reich NG, Bertone-Johnson ER. Seasonality of suicide behavior in Northwest Alaska: 1990-2009. Public Health 2016; 137:35-43. [PMID: 27021788 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, and disproportionately affects Indigenous populations. Seasonal suicide patterns are variable in the literature, and could offer novel approaches to the timing and focus of prevention efforts if better understood. With a suicide surveillance system in place since 1989, this study offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore seasonal variations in both fatal and non-fatal suicide behavior in an Indigenous Arctic region. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS In this descriptive study, we analyzed data collected from 1990 to 2009 in the rural northwest region of Alaska, both graphically and using the chi-squared test for multinomials. RESULTS We found a significant monthly variation for suicide attempts, with a peak in suicide behavior observed between April and August (P = 0.0002). Monthly variation was more pronounced among individuals ≤29 years of age, and was present in both males and females, although the seasonal pattern differed by sex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings of a significant seasonal pattern in suicide behavior, with monthly variation (summer peak) in non-fatal suicide behavior among younger age groups, and among both males and females can assist planners in targeting subpopulations for prevention at different times of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Silveira
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - L Wexler
- Division of Community Health Education, Department of Public Health, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - J Chamberlain
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland; Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - K Money
- Women's Psychological Services, USA
| | - R M C Spencer
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - N G Reich
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - E R Bertone-Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Fond G, Llorca PM, Boucekine M, Zendjidjian X, Brunel L, Lancon C, Auquier P, Boyer L. Disparities in suicide mortality trends between United States of America and 25 European countries: retrospective analysis of WHO mortality database. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20256. [PMID: 26883796 PMCID: PMC4756707 DOI: 10.1038/srep20256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to examine changes in temporal trends in suicide mortality in 26 Western countries by retrospective trend analysis of the WHO mortality database on causes of deaths. From 1990 to 2010, there was a median reduction in suicide mortality of 22.7%, ranging from a 46% reduction in Estonia to a 26.2% increase in Romania. Suicide mortality decreased by ≥ 20% in 15 countries, and the reduction tended to be greater in countries with higher mortality in 1990. In most of the central European countries mortality strongly declined. The median changes in the age groups were -25.3% (range -62.9% to 72.6%) in people aged 15-24 years, -36.9% (-60.5% to 32.4%) in 25-34 years, -3.6% (-57.1% to 92%) in 35-54 years, -12.2% (-37% to 65,7%) in 55-74 years and -16.1% (-54.5% to 166.7%) in ≥ 75 years. Suicide prevention programs in youths and in the elderly seem to be effective (at least in females for the elderly) and efforts should be pursued in this way. However, suicide mortality of the people aged 35-54 years has increased in half of the studied countries between 1990 and 2010. Public policies should further orientate their efforts toward this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Fond
- Université Paris Est-Créteil Val-de-Marne, France
- Pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires H Mondor, DHU Pe-Psy, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955, Eq Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France
- Fondation FondaMental Fondation de coopération scientifique en santé mentale, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre-Michel Llorca
- Fondation FondaMental Fondation de coopération scientifique en santé mentale, Créteil, France
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Mohamed Boucekine
- Aix-Marseille University, EA 3279 – Public Health, Chronic Diseases and
Quality of Life - Research Unit, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Xavier Zendjidjian
- Department of Psychiatry, La Conception University Hospital, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, EA 3279 – Public Health, Chronic Diseases and
Quality of Life - Research Unit, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Lore Brunel
- Université Paris Est-Créteil Val-de-Marne, France
- Fondation FondaMental Fondation de coopération scientifique en santé mentale, Créteil, France
| | - Christophe Lancon
- Pôle de psychiatrie des hôpitaux universitaires H Mondor, DHU Pe-Psy, Créteil, France
- Fondation FondaMental Fondation de coopération scientifique en santé mentale, Créteil, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Aix-Marseille University, EA 3279 – Public Health, Chronic Diseases and
Quality of Life - Research Unit, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Aix-Marseille University, EA 3279 – Public Health, Chronic Diseases and
Quality of Life - Research Unit, 13005 Marseille, France
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Dixon PG, Sinyor M, Schaffer A, Levitt A, Haney CR, Ellis KN, Sheridan SC. Association of weekly suicide rates with temperature anomalies in two different climate types. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:11627-44. [PMID: 25402561 PMCID: PMC4245634 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111111627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Annual suicide deaths outnumber the total deaths from homicide and war combined. Suicide is a complex behavioral endpoint, and a simple cause-and-effect model seems highly unlikely, but relationships with weather could yield important insight into the biopsychosocial mechanisms involved in suicide deaths. This study has been designed to test for a relationship between air temperature and suicide frequency that is consistent enough to offer some predictive abilities. Weekly suicide death totals and anomalies from Toronto, Ontario, Canada (1986-2009) and Jackson, Mississippi, USA (1980-2006) are analyzed for relationships by using temperature anomaly data and a distributed lag nonlinear model. For both analysis methods, anomalously cool weeks show low probabilities of experiencing high-end suicide totals while warmer weeks are more likely to experience high-end suicide totals. This result is consistent for Toronto and Jackson. Weekly suicide totals demonstrate a sufficient association with temperature anomalies to allow some prediction of weeks with or without increased suicide frequency. While this finding alone is unlikely to have immediate clinical implications, these results are an important step toward clarifying the biopsychosocial mechanisms of suicidal behavior through a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between temperature and suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Grady Dixon
- Department of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS 67601, USA.
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Anthony Levitt
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Christa R Haney
- Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
| | - Kelsey N Ellis
- Department of Geography, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| | - Scott C Sheridan
- Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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Local daily temperatures, thermal seasons, and suicide rates in Finland from 1974 to 2010. Environ Health Prev Med 2014; 19:286-94. [PMID: 24794752 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-014-0391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suicide peaks in late spring and October are still seen in Finland among many countries. Weather factors have been suggested as explanations for these peaks, although with inconsistent results. Since the exact timing of these peaks varies each year, the length of daylight and changes in it seem inadequate as an explanation. We hypothesized that ambient temperature and the timing of thermal seasons might associate with suicide rate. METHODS Suicide rates from three areas across Finland (N = 10,802) were analyzed with Poisson regression in six different models against variables calculated from the local ambient daily temperature, diurnal temperature range, and the duration from the onset of thermal seasons. Separate models for men and women were constructed. RESULTS The temperature change over 5 days associated with the suicide rate of men in Helsinki region, or in other words, the lower the suicide rate was, the higher the temperature decrease had been. For women, the results were more inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Our study is in line with some earlier studies which imply that impairment of thermoregulation might exist among suicide victims.
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