1
|
Elderly suicides in Turkey. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 95:102498. [PMID: 36774783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to the unique physical and psychosocial characteristics of this age group, it is expected that the characteristics of elderly suicides are different from other groups. Knowing the characteristics of elderly suicides guides prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics, methods and reasons for suicide in elderly suicide cases using the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute between 2002 and 2019. Of the completed suicides among older adults, 4,208 (74%) cases were men and 1,481 (26%) were women. Crude suicide rates of all elderly age groups were higher than the general population. Illness was the most common reason for suicide. The second leading cause of suicide was marital conflicts in women, while financial difficulties were observed in men. Hanging was the most common method in both genders. It is remarkable that the use of gunshot considerably increases as years progress and the ratio of men (n:962) to women (n:16) reach 60. Considering these findings together with epidemiologic data predicting that this increase in the elderly population will almost double within less than 30 years, it is apparent that suicide is a major issue among older adults.
Collapse
|
2
|
Lapo-Talledo GJ, Talledo-Delgado JA, Portalanza D, Rodrigues ALS, Siteneski A. Suicide rates in Ecuador: A nationwide study from 2011 until 2020. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:638-646. [PMID: 36208687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Suicide, suicide ideations, and psychiatric disorder rates tend to increase after natural disasters such as earthquake. In 2016 Ecuador experienced a 7.8Mw earthquake and, more recently, the Covid-19 confinement. Both events may have negatively affected the mental health of the Ecuadorian population. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the suicide rates and choice of suicide method in the Ecuadorian population between January 2011 and December 2020. The dataset used is publicly available on the Ecuadorian National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for potential sociodemographic factors associated with each suicide method compared to other reported suicide methods. There were 10,380 registered cases of suicide in Ecuador between 2011 and 2020. Significant suicide rates per provinces were seen in Napo with 12.63 and Azuay with 12.52, followed by Bolívar with 12.30, and Orellana with 11.36 suicides/100,000 habitants. Hanging accounted for 7082 cases (68.2 %). The mestizos (82 %) were the most prevalent ethnicity of all suicide cases. School-age children with 6-12 years (OR 8.83, 95 % CI 5.34-14.59) and adolescents with 13-19 years (OR 1.46, 95 % CI 1.29-1.66) were more likely to use hanging as method of suicide. In conclusion, we observed an increase of suicide rates from 8.15 per 100,000 in 2011 to 8.81 in 2020. The confinement of COVID-19 pandemic in the period evaluated did not significantly affect the suicide rates. An increased suicide rate was observed in the province hardest hit by the 2016 earthquake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- German Josuet Lapo-Talledo
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador
| | | | - Diego Portalanza
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Department of Physics, Climate Research group, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Aline Siteneski
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador; Research Institute, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zeybek V, Yetiş H, İzci A, Acar K. Elderly suicides in Denizli, Turkey: a retrospective study from 2011 to 2020. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-022-00263-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although suicide rates and methods used may vary according to society, gender, and age there are epidemiological studies reporting that suicide rates increase with advanced age in all societies, particularly accelerating after the age of 65 years. This study aimed to investigate the demographic data and suicide characteristics—such as the location and method, among others—of the elderly suicide deaths among forensic deaths between 2011 and 2020 in Denizli, Turkey.
Results
It was determined that elderly suicides constituted 13.8% of all suicides and increased gradually over the years during the 10-year period. The vast majority of cases were male (82%). It has been observed that hanging is the most frequently used method. It is also noteworthy that although firearm suicide among men was the second most common method, women do not choose this method at all. The majority of elderly suicides (88.5%) in Denizli occurred in the home and its annexes.
Conclusions
Suicide prevention programmes should promote the elderly to benefit widely from social and health services. Therefore, there is a need to include widespread home care services and firearms regulations in prevention programmes.
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang Y, Wang R, Zhang D, Su Y, Zang Y. The protective effect of self-esteem on suicidal ideation among nursing home residents with limited social support in China: A cross-sectional study. Nurs Open 2021; 9:2729-2738. [PMID: 34190426 PMCID: PMC9584493 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the impact of limited social support and loneliness on suicidal ideation, under the influence of self‐esteem, an important inner resource for quality living. Design An observational cross‐sectional study conducted from September 2018–April 2019. Methods The participants comprised 538 nursing home residents selected by a stratified sampling method from all seven administrative districts in a capital city of eastern China. All the participants completed the survey that constituted the measurement of suicidal ideation, self‐esteem, social support and loneliness. Path analysis was performed using the structural equation modelling method. Results A moderating effect, with satisfactory model fit indices and significant path coefficients, was detected between self‐esteem and suicidal ideation through limited social support and loneliness, revealing the multiple protective mechanisms of this psychological characteristic on the change of suicidal ideation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yonggang Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuli Zang
- Faculty of Medicine, The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu RT, Ma ZY, Jia CX, Zhou L. Completed Suicide With Violent and Non-violent Methods by the Elderly in Rural China: A Psychological Autopsy Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:624398. [PMID: 34211408 PMCID: PMC8239144 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.624398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Late-life suicide is a severe public health problem in rural China; however, knowledge regarding the specific characteristics and risk factors for completed suicide via violent and non-violent methods among elderly individuals in rural China is limited. Methods: Subjects aged 60 years or older were selected from rural areas in Shandong, Hunan, and Guangxi provinces in China. This study was a 1:1 matched case-control design conducted by using the psychological autopsy method. Results: According to the univariate analyses, the presence of mental disorder, higher degree of depression, loneliness, lack of social support, hopelessness, impulsivity, and increased quantity of life events were associated with suicide in both violent and non-violent methods. For violent suicide, another risk factor was the lack of pesticides at home. For non-violent suicide, other risk factors were not currently married, family suicide history, and alcohol use disorder (P < 0.05). Variables that remained in the logistic regression model were the severity of depressive symptoms for both violent and non-violent suicide. For non-violent suicide, the degree of hopelessness was another independent risk factor. In addition, violent suicides were more likely to lack pesticides at home, choose the spring season and have an increased quantity of life events than those who died by suicide via non-violent methods. Conclusion: The major risk factor for both violent and non-violent suicide was the severity of depressive symptoms. Suicide prevention measures that focus on depression among this vulnerable population are urgently needed. Moreover, the characteristics of suicides via violent methods differed from those via non-violent methods among elderly individuals. Suicide prevention efforts should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the different suicide methods utilized by older adults in rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Ting Zhu
- Guangzhou Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Ma
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Cun-Xian Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Guangzhou Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The characteristics of older people suicides by sex and age subgroups. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 46:101721. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
7
|
Yilmaz N, Karaca SN. Dissatisfaction with life and absence of leisure time activity: clues to overt depression and occult suicide risk in elderly individuals without significant disabling disease. Psychogeriatrics 2020; 20:337-344. [PMID: 31930627 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a major public health problem in all ages. Besides other chronic physical diseases, it is one of the most common psychiatric disorders observed in the elderly. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors and to draw attention to occult suicide probability in elderly people without significant disabling disease. METHODS Individuals aged 65 and over, who were randomly selected from a family healthcare centre, were enrolled into the study. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess prevalence of depression and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) for risk of suicide. RESULTS There were 323 elderly (F/M: 150/173). Mean age was 73.3 ± 6.1 years. The majority had chronic physical illnesses (77.7%). Mean GDS and SPS scores were 11.07 ± 4.6 and 62.91 ± 8.24, respectively. Prevalence of depression was 27.6%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, living without a spouse (P = 0.047, Exp(B) = 1.744, 95% CI = 1.008-3.01), dissatisfaction with life (P ˂ 0.001, Exp(B) = 5.327, 95% CI = 3.02-9.36) and having no leisure time activity (P = 0.047, Exp(B) = 1.846, 95% CI = 1.009-3.37) were found to be the independent predictors of presence of depression, as indicated by GDS. In logistic regression analysis, dissatisfaction with life (P ˂ 0.001, Exp(B) = 2.631, 95% CI = 1.53-4.50) was found to be an independent predictor of high SPS scores. CONCLUSION In elderly individuals without overt disabling disease, dissatisfaction with life, absence of leisure time activities, and a life without a partner seem to significantly increase the likelihood of overt depression. On the other hand, there is occult increase in suicide risk in the presence of dissatisfaction with their lives in the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuryil Yilmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Sanem Nemmezi Karaca
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate choice of suicide method in individuals aged 65 years and over. METHODS Data were obtained from the Queensland Suicide Register, Australia. Univariate and multi-variate logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS The predominant methods in older adults were hanging (21.5%), firearms and explosives (20.9%), drug poisoning (18.5%), followed by other poisoning (mainly MVCO) (12.6%), suffocation by plastic bag (8.5%), and drowning (6%). Some methods (e.g. firearms and explosives, drug poisoning, suffocation) appeared characterised by profiles (e.g., socio-demographic and clinical aspects), meanwhile others were not well distinguishable. Compared to other methods, those who died by firearms and explosives were significantly more likely to be males, Australian born, live in rural and remote areas, and less likely to have a mental illness, previous suicide attempt(s) or leave a suicide note. Those who died by drug poisoning were more likely to be females, leave a suicide note, experience interpersonal conflict and live in urban areas. Similarly, those who chose suffocation by plastic bag were more likely to be older females, leave a suicide note, and pay attention to suicide in the media, but less likely to experience interpersonal conflict. CONCLUSION Acceptability, availability and lethality are important factors impacting choice of means and should be considered when designing suicide prevention activities in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wen Koo
- a Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University , Brisbane
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- a Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University , Brisbane
| | - Diego de Leo
- a Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University , Brisbane
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pan YF, Ma ZY, Zhou L, Jia CX. Psychometric Characteristics of Duke Social Support Index Among Elderly Suicide in Rural China. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2018; 82:105-119. [PMID: 30286689 DOI: 10.1177/0030222818805356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We recruited 242 elderly suicides and 242 controls above 60 years to conduct face-to-face interviews by psychological autopsy to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI) in rural China. DSSI had high internal consistency, with Cronbach's αs of .89 and .90 in suicides and controls, respectively. DSSI was significantly and negatively correlated to loneliness in both samples. Confirmatory factor analysis basically supported the original structure of DSSI, but Item 4 had low factor loading in controls. In conclusion, DSSI has satisfactory reliability and acceptable validity in evaluating social support in the elderly suicide study in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei Pan
- Department of Epidemiology, Shandong University School of Public Health & Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Ma
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, China
| | - Cun-Xian Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, Shandong University School of Public Health & Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zinchuk MS, Avedisova AS, Zhabin MO, Guekht AB. [Suicidality in the elderly: socio-cultural and clinical risk factors]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:104-111. [PMID: 30132468 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201811871104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Advanced age is a significant risk factor for a completed suicide. The review considers the patterns of suicidal behavior of older adults in the context of their gender, ethnicity as well as social and cultural factors. In terms of pro- and antisuicidal variables, special emphasis is made on the role of somatic and psychic disorders. The article looks at the features of committing a suicide peculiar to the older people and debates some specific issues of self-inflicted death by elderly people. The obtained data indicate the involvement of multilevel factors (biological, clinical, cultural, micro- and microsocial) in suicidal behavior in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S Zinchuk
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Avedisova
- Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - M O Zhabin
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A B Guekht
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|