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Das S, Malathesh BC, Manjunatha N. India's NITI Aayog's Health Index: Where Is the Mental Health? Indian J Psychol Med 2022; 44:604-606. [PMID: 36339690 PMCID: PMC9615450 DOI: 10.1177/02537176211057411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Das
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Sunshine Hospital, Emergency Mental Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barikar C Malathesh
- Dept. of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bibinagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Narayana Manjunatha
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Tele-Medicine Centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Andoh-Arthur J, Adjorlolo S. Macro-level mental health system indicators and cross-national suicide rates. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1839999. [PMID: 33465014 PMCID: PMC7833019 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1839999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between macro-level mental health system indicators and population suicide rates is an area of contention in the literature, necessitating an analysis of current cross-national data to document any new trend in the relationship. Objective This study investigated whether mental health system indicators are associated with national suicide rates. Method Using an ecological study design and multivariate non-parametric robust regression models, data on suicide rates and mental health system indicators of 191 countries retrieved from WHOs 2017 Mental Health Atlas were compared. Results Findings revealed that the average suicide mortality rate was significantly higher in high- income countries, relative to low-income countries. High-income countries are significantly more likely to have high number of mental health professionals, mental health policies and legislation, independent mental health authority and suicide prevention programs. These mental health system indicators demonstrated significant and positive association with suicide, suggesting that countries scoring high on these factors have higher odds of being categorized as high suicide risk countries. Conclusion The findings have several implications for policy and practice, including the need to make existing mental health systems very responsive to suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Andoh-Arthur
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana , Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjorlolo
- Department of Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana , Accra, Ghana.,Research and Grant Institute of Ghana , Accra, Ghana
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Roškar S, Sedlar N, Furman L, Roškar M, Podlesek A. Association of Selected Area-Level Indicators With Suicide Mortality in Slovenian Municipalities. CRISIS 2020; 42:441-447. [PMID: 33275051 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: With an average suicide rate of 20 per 100,000 in the last decade, Slovenia is above the EU average. There are considerable regional differences in suicide mortality within the country. Aim: We aimed to investigate the relationship between selected indicators at area level and the suicide rate in Slovenian municipalities. Method: Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and (mental) health data in the years 2012-2016 were analyzed for 212 municipalities. Robust correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between different variables and the suicide rate. Results: The suicide rate was positively associated with the percentage of male inhabitants, the high social cohesion in the neighborhood, and the number of sick leave days per capita. It was negatively related to the net income per capita, the marriage rate, the divorce rate, and the availability of professional mental healthcare services. Limitations: The small suicide frequencies within municipalities constitute a limitation of the study. Conclusion: Factors at local, municipal level can be linked to the risk of suicide. In Slovenia, neighborhood cohesion is one of the factors that should be considered when designing suicide prevention measures in a community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saška Roškar
- National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Sedlar
- National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lucija Furman
- National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Roškar
- National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Podlesek
- Department of Psychology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kim AM. Factors associated with the suicide rates in Korea. Psychiatry Res 2020; 284:112745. [PMID: 31951868 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The suicide rate in the Republic of Korea remains among the highest in the world, which needs to be examined in various aspects. This study investigated factors associated with the suicide rates in Korea. The suicide rates of 251 districts in Korea in 2015 and their relationships with the prevalence of heavy drinking, health care provision, and religion as well as demographic characteristics were examined with a Pearson correlations and a multiple linear regression analysis. The suicide rate in Korea was 26.5 per 100,000 persons in 2015. The regression analysis showed that the income level of the region, as represented by the average national health insurance premium, had a negative association with the suicide rate and that the prevalence of heavy drinking and the percentage of the population aged 65 and above had positive associations with the suicide rate. While the unemployment rate and the proportion of Catholics showed negative relationships with the suicide rate in the correlation matrix, the association was statistically insignificant in the regression analysis. Special attention should be given to excessive drinking and socio-economically disadvantaged conditions in taking measures to prevent suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnus M Kim
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Oliveira JDFMD, Wagner GA, Romano-Lieber NS, Antunes JLF. Tendência da mortalidade por intoxicação medicamentosa entre gêneros e faixas etárias no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 1996-2012. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2017; 22:3381-3391. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320172210.12782017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo O estudo verificou a tendência da mortalidade por intoxicação medicamentosa por faixas etárias, sexo e intenção, na população do estado de São Paulo. A série temporal de mortalidade por intoxicação medicamentosa ajustada foi construída a partir de dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do DATASUS (1996 a 2012). Foram verificadas a magnitude e a tendência para as variáveis estudadas. Observou-se tendência crescente de mortalidade ajustada a partir de 2005, que se acentuou a partir de 2009, o que foi confirmado pelo valor do IC95% para a taxa de variação anual média. Tal tendência não foi verificada para a mortalidade geral para o estado (TVAM = -0,22%; IC95% = -1,12 – 0,69), para a mortalidade específica por causas externas (TVAM = -3,14%; IC95% = -4,75 – -1,49) e para a mortalidade por intoxicação medicamentosa acidental (TVAM = +9,76%, IC95% = -12,16 – 37,14). A autointoxicação medicamentosa intencional foi a que mais cresceu no período (TVAM = +10,64%, IC95% = 6,92 – 14,49), assim como a mortalidade entre os mais jovens (maior magnitude). A tendência observada para a mortalidade por intoxicação medicamentosa no estado de São Paulo, a relevância da componente intencional e da mortalidade entre as faixas etárias mais jovens ressaltam a necessidade de implementação de medidas de controle.
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Zadravec Šedivy N, Podlogar T, Kerr DCR, De Leo D. Community social support as a protective factor against suicide: A gender-specific ecological study of 75 regions of 23 European countries. Health Place 2017; 48:40-46. [PMID: 28934635 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
By studying differences in suicide rates among different geographical regions one may identify factors connected to suicidal behaviour on a regional level. Many studies have focused on risk factors, whereas less is known about protective factors, such as social support. Using suicide rates and data from the European Social Survey (ESS) we explore the association between regional level social support indicator and suicide rates in 23 European countries in 2012. Linear multiple regression analyses using region as the unit of analysis revealed inverse relationships between mean respondent valuing of social support and suicide rates for both genders, with some indication of a stronger relationship among men. Social support may have a protective effect against suicide on a regional level. Thus, increasing social support could be an effective focus of preventive activities, resulting in lowering suicide rates, with greater expected results among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuša Zadravec Šedivy
- University of Primorska, Andrej Marušič Institute, Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia.
| | - Tina Podlogar
- University of Primorska, Andrej Marušič Institute, Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - David C R Kerr
- School of Psychological Science, College of Liberal Arts, Oregon State University, Reed Lodge 213, 2950 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Diego De Leo
- University of Primorska, Andrej Marušič Institute, Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Muzejski trg 2, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
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Hjelmeland H, Knizek BL. Suicide and mental disorders: A discourse of politics, power, and vested interests. DEATH STUDIES 2017; 41:481-492. [PMID: 28535129 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1332905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
One of the most well-established truths in suicidology is that mental disorders play a significant role in at least 90% of suicides, and a causal relationship between the two is often implied. In this article, the authors argue that the evidence base for this truth is weak and that there is much research questioning the 90% statistic. Based on numerous examples, they also argue that ideology, politics, power, and vested interests among influential professionals in the field obstruct argument-based discussion of this issue. The authors also discuss unfortunate consequences of the constant reiteration of the 90% statistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Hjelmeland
- a Department of Mental Health , Norwegian University of Science and Technology , Trondheim , Norway
| | - Birthe L Knizek
- a Department of Mental Health , Norwegian University of Science and Technology , Trondheim , Norway
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Harshe D, Karia S, Harshe S, Shah N, Harshe G, De Sousa A. Celebrity suicide and its effect on further media reporting and portrayal of suicide: An exploratory study. Indian J Psychiatry 2016; 58:443-447. [PMID: 28197003 PMCID: PMC5270271 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.196704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a grave mental health problem in India, and suicide rates in India have risen over the past decades. Suicide reporting by the media is a common cause for spurts of suicides that may occur from time to time. The aim of the present study was to assess the change in trends in media reporting of suicide after a celebrity suicide. METHODOLOGY Suicide by the renowned actor Robin Williams was selected as the reference case. The top three Indian daily newspapers published in English having the highest circulation as per the Registrar of Newspapers, Government of India report were selected to be scanned in the study. These were the Times of India - Mumbai edition, Mumbai Mirror, and the Daily News Analysis - Mumbai edition. The authors screened all news stories in the three newspapers within a 6-month period (3 months prior and 3 months post the date of the reference suicide case), and these news reports were evaluated as per the suicide reporting guidelines for media laid down by the Indian Psychiatric Society. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test and descriptive statistics where appropriate. RESULTS A total of 708 newspaper articles were identified on the basis of the guidelines mentioned above. Nearly 88% (n = 623) of the articles directly covered suicide while 4.09% (n = 29) focused on suicidal threats and 7.91% (n = 56) focused on parasuicide behavior. There was a significantly greater increase in the total number of articles printed after the celebrity suicide (n = 409) for all article types except teasers as compared to that before the celebrity suicide (n = 299). There was a significantly greater increase in front page news on suicide after the celebrity suicide (P = 0.0016), description of the method of suicide (P = 0.0221), and the mention of the suicide notes (P = 0.0002). Most articles after the celebrity suicide placed the blame on someone or the environment for the act (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A change in media trend toward reporting suicide was noted post a celebrity suicide, and it is important that media follow guidelines stringently when reporting a serious problem like suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devavrat Harshe
- Department of Psychiatry, D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sagar Karia
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sneha Harshe
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Dhanvantari Mind Care and Nursing Home, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nilesh Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gurudas Harshe
- Department of Psychiatry, D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Avinash De Sousa
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Sher L. Are Suicide Rates Related to the Psychiatrist Density? A Cross-National Study. Front Public Health 2016; 3:280. [PMID: 26779474 PMCID: PMC4701907 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Most suicide victims have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Treatment of psychiatric disorders should reduce the number of suicides. Higher psychiatrist-per-population ratio increases the opportunity for contact between the patient and psychiatrist. It is reasonable to hypothesize that the higher psychiatrist density (PD) is associated with lower suicide rates. The aim of this study is to examine the association between suicide rates and the PD in the European Union countries. These countries are economically and culturally connected and located on the same continent. This is an attempt to study a relatively homogenous sample. Methods Correlations were computed to examine relationships between age-standardized suicide rates in women and men, the PD, and the gross national income (GNI) per capita. Partial correlations were used to examine the relation between the PD and age-standardized suicide rates in women and men controlling for the GNI per capita. Results Higher suicide rates in women correlated with the higher PD. Controlling for the GNI per capita, the PD positively correlated with suicide rates both in women and in men. There was a trend toward a negative correlation between the GNI per capita and suicide rates in men. The PD was positively associated with the GNI per capita. Conclusion Probably, higher suicide rates directly and/or indirectly affect the decisions made by policy- and lawmakers regarding mental health services and how many psychiatrists need to be trained. The results of this study should be treated with caution because many confounding variables are not taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Sher
- James J. Peters Veterans' Administration Medical Center and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, NY , USA
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