Physical activity, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and death among individuals with mental or other medical disorders: A systematic review of observational studies

A growing body of research has demonstrated the potential role for physical activity as an intervention across mental and other medical disorders. However, the association between physical activity and suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths has not been systematically appraised in clinical samples. We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for observational studies investigating the influence of physical activity on suicidal behavior up to December 6, 2023. Of 116 eligible full-text studies, seven (n = 141691) were included. Depression was the most frequently studied mental condition (43%, k = 3), followed by chronic pain as the most common other medical condition (29%, k = 2). Two case-control studies examined suicide attempts and found an association between physical activity and a reduced frequency of such attempts. However, in studies examining suicidal ideation (k = 3) or suicide deaths (k = 2), no consistent associations with physical activity were observed. Overall, our systematic review found that physical activity may be linked to a lower frequency of suicide attempts in non-prospective studies involving individuals with mental disorders.

Suicide and prevalence of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of world data on case-control psychological autopsy studies

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is a multifaceted event precipitated by underlying biopsychosocial risk factors. Evidence for various psychiatric morbidities underlying suicidality through Psychological Autopsy (PA) is established in case-control studies. However, considering the possible geographical variations and the limited number of studies from developing countries, the estimates of such risk factors across the world could provide great insight into their comparative prevalence and assist in targeting the prevention of suicide.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature from 1991 to 2020 in the English language was conducted with the protocol registration on PROSPERO ID (CRD 42021249216) to identify the pooled odds ratio of any psychiatric morbidity as a risk factor for suicide.

RESULTS

Out of 1144 articles, 43 studies were included in this review. The pooled odds ratio for any psychiatric morbidity measured across 31 studies was 16.71 (95% CI: 12.29 - 22.70, Tau2 = 0.58, I2 = 80.4%, Cochran's Q = 153.36, df = 30, p-value <0.001). The subgroup analysis for affective disorder, previous suicide attempt, WHO region-wise risk distribution, and publication year of study were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a sixteen-fold increased risk of suicide in persons with mental disorders compared to healthy controls, and the risk is similar across the geographical region and publication time. The international efforts to reduce the common risk factors for suicide would equally be helpful for all countries despite cultural variations. Early identification and treatment of sleep disorders, physical illnesses, anxiety, and personality disorders should be prioritized along with the established mental disorders to reduce suicide rates across the world.

Physical and mental illness comorbidity among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes: A mixed-methods study

Background

Research has indicated an increased risk of self-harm repetition and suicide among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes. Co-occurring physical and mental illness further increases the risk of self-harm and suicide. However, the association between this co-occurrence and frequent self-harm episodes is not well understood. The objectives of the study were (a) to examine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of individuals with frequent self-harm (regardless of suicidal intent) episodes and, (b) the association between physical and mental illness comorbidity, self-harm repetition, highly lethal self-harm methods, and suicide intent.

Methods

The study included consecutive patients with five or more self-harm presentations to Emergency Departments across three general hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. The study included file reviews (n = 183) and semi-structured interviews (n = 36). Multivariate logistic regression models and independent samples t-tests were used to test the association between the sociodemographic and physical and mental disorders comorbidity on highly lethal self-harm methods and suicidal intent, respectively. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes related to physical and mental illness comorbidity and frequent self-harm repetition.

Findings

The majority of individuals with frequent self-harm episodes were female (59.6%), single (56.1%), and unemployed (57.4%). The predominant current self-harm method was drug overdose (60%). Almost 90% of the participants had history of a mental or behavioral disorder, and 56.8% had recent physical illness. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were alcohol use disorders (51.1%), borderline personality disorder (44.0%), and major depressive disorder (37.8%). Male gender (OR = 2.89) and alcohol abuse (OR = 2.64) predicted the risk of a highly lethal self-harm method. Suicide intent was significantly higher among those with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (t = 2.43; p = 0.020). Major qualitative themes were (a) the functional meaning of self-harm (b) self-harm comorbidity (c) family psychiatric history and (d) contacts with mental health services. Participants described experiencing an uncontrollable self-harm urge, and self-harm was referred to as a way to get relief from emotional pain or self-punishment to cope with anger and stressors.

Conclusion

Physical and mental illness comorbidity was high among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes. Male gender and alcohol abuse were associated with highly lethal self-harm methods. The mental and physical illness comorbidity of individuals with frequent self-harm episodes should be addressed via a biopsychosocial assessment and subsequent indicated treatment interventions.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning was Associated With Lifetime Suicidal Ideation: Evidence From A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Hebei Province, China

Objectives: We want to test the association between carbon monoxide poisoning (CMP) experiencing and lifetime suicidal ideation/suicide plan among community residents.

Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted among community residents in Hebei province, China. We analyzed a total of 21,376 valid questionnaires. CMP experience and lifetime suicidal ideation/suicide plan were assessed in this study. Logistic regression and false discovery rate correction were conducted to analyze the associations and correct the p values.

Results: We found that CMP (OR = 2.56, p &lt; 0.001, corrected-p = 0.001) was associated with lifetime suicidal ideation, and the other risk factors were female (OR = 0.53, p &lt; 0.001, corrected-p = 0.001). The association between CMP and suicide plan was not supported after false discovery rate correction (OR = 2.15, p = 0.035, corrected-p = 0.385). For the CMP patients, experiencing ≥2 times CMP (OR = 2.76, p = 0.001, corrected-p = 0.011) was also in higher risk of lifetime suicidal ideation. The association between CMP times and lifetime suicidal plan was not supported after false discovery rate correction (OR = 4.95, p = 0.021, corrected-p = 0.231).

Conclusion: CMP patients are in higher risk of lifetime suicidal ideation. For CMP patients, some strategies are needed to control their suicidal ideation.

Physical diseases and elderly suicide in rural China: A case-control psychological autopsy study

OBJECTIVES

Physical diseases are well-established risk factor for suicide, particularly among older adults. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of the association. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of physical diseases and their influences on the elderly in rural China and to examine the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between physical diseases and suicide.

METHODS

This matched case-control psychological autopsy study was conducted from June 2014 to September 2015. Consecutive suicide cases (242) among people aged 60 years or above were identified in three Chinese provinces. The suicide cases were 1:1 matched with living comparisons based on age, gender and residential area. Two informants for each participant were interviewed to collect data on their demographic characteristics, the severity index of physical diseases, depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness, mental disorders and social support.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between suicide cases and living comparisons regarding the prevalence of physical diseases (83.5% vs 66.5%, p < 0.001) and their severity (11.3 ± 6.2 vs 6.7 ± 5.3, p < 0.001). Independent risks of suicide included the following: not currently married (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = [1.04, 7.62]), mental disorders (OR = 7.18, 95% CI = [1.83, 28.13]), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = [1.05, 1.26]) and feelings of hopelessness (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = [1.20, 1.90]). The structural equation model indicated that the relationship between the severity index of physical diseases and suicide was mediated by depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and mental disorders.

CONCLUSION

The severity and number of physical diseases were found to be correlated with suicide among the elderly in rural China, after controlling for demographic characteristics. Physical diseases elevate one's suicide risk by increasing depressive symptoms, feelings of hopelessness and mental disorders. Efforts for suicide prevention should be integrated with strategies to treat physical diseases along with psychological interventions.

Understanding the Reasons for Suicide Among Older Adults in Rural China Using In-Depth Interviews

Background: Suicide is a complex public health problem. Suicide rates are higher in rural areas than in urban areas and among older adults than any other age group in China. Aims: This study aimed to acquire a comprehensive understanding of rural older adults' reasons for suicide through qualitative exploration and to provide additional insights for suicide prevention work. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with people familiar with older adults who had died by suicide ("informants"). The data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Data were available for 242 people who died by suicide. Informants identified two or more reasons for suicide among most people who had died. Physical illness, psychological distress, and interpersonal conflicts were the most common reasons. The rate of mental disorders as diagnosed by psychiatrists was higher than that reported by the informants. Limitations: Information bias is inevitable because of the use of proxy informants. Conclusion: The reasons for suicide are complex and diverse, and research on suicide should focus more on the mechanisms of interaction between reasons. Greater attention should be paid to physical and mental health as well as to improving interpersonal and problem-solving skills for older adults in China.

Association Between Stroke and Subsequent Risk of Suicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Poor mental health and depression are well-recognized sequelae of stroke; however, the association between stroke and subsequent risk of suicide is unknown.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar from their inception to September 15, 2020, using keywords and database-specific subjects. We independently adjudicated and selected observational studies that reported suicide attempts or death by suicide in stroke survivors and a comparison group, consisting either of people without a history of stroke or the general population. We evaluated study quality using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) of suicide in stroke survivors and separately calculated the pooled adjusted RR of suicide attempt and death by suicide. Using prespecified analyses, we explored study-level factors to explain heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We screened 4093 articles and included 23 studies of fair quality, totaling over 2 million stroke survivors, of whom 5563 attempted suicide or died by suicide. Compared to the nonstroke group, the pooled adjusted RR of suicide in stroke survivors was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.53-1.96, I²=93%), with a significantly (P=0.03) higher adjusted risk of suicide attempt (RR, 2.11 [1.73-2.56]) than of death by suicide (RR, 1.61 [1.41-1.84]). A longer follow-up time in cohort studies was associated with a lower risk of suicide (RR, 0.97 [0.95-0.99] for every 1-year increase).

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke should be considered as a risk factor for suicide. Comprehensive strategies to screen and treat depression and suicidal ideation in stroke survivors should be developed to reduce the burden of suicide in stroke survivors.

Factors associated with suicide risk among Chinese adults: A prospective cohort study of 0.5 million individuals

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a leading cause of death in China and accounts for about one-sixth of all suicides worldwide. The objective of this study was to examine the recent distribution of suicide and risk factors for death by suicide. Identifying underlying risk factors could benefit development of evidence-based prevention and intervention programs.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We conducted a prospective study, the China Kadoorie Biobank, of 512,715 individuals (41% men, mean age 52 years) from 10 (5 urban, 5 rural) areas which are diverse across China in geographic locations, social economic developmental stages, and prevalence of disease patterns. After the baseline measurements of risk factors during 2004 to 2008, participants were followed up for suicide outcomes including suicide and possible suicide deaths. Risk factors, such as sociodemographic factors and physical and mental health status, were assessed by semistructured interviews and self-report questionnaires. Suicide and possible suicide deaths were identified through linkage to the local death registries using ICD-10 codes. We conducted Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for suicide and for possible suicide in sensitivity analyses. During an average follow-up period of 9.9 years, 520 (101 per 100,000) people died from suicide (51.3% male), and 79.8% of them lived in rural areas. Sociodemographic factors associated with increased suicide risk were male gender (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] = 1.6 [95% CI 1.4 to 2.0], p < 0.001), older age (1.3 [1.2 to 1.5] by each 10-yr increase, p < 0.001), rural residence (2.6 [2.1 to 3.3], p < 0.001), and single status (1.7 [1.4 to 2.2], p < 0.001). Increased hazards were found for family-related stressful life events (aHR = 1.8 [1.2 to 1.9], p < 0.001) and for major physical illnesses (1.5 [1.3 to 1.9], p < 0.001). There were strong associations of suicide with a history of lifetime mental disorders (aHR = 9.6 [5.9 to 15.6], p < 0.001) and lifetime schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (11.0 [7.1 to 17.0], p < 0.001). Links between suicide risk and depressive disorders (aHR = 2.6 [1.4 to 4.8], p = 0.002) and generalized anxiety disorders (2.6 [1.0 to 7.1], p = 0.056) in the last 12 months, and sleep disorders (1.4 [1.2 to 1.7], p < 0.001) in the past month were also found. All HRs were adjusted for sociodemographic factors including gender, age, residence, single status, education, and income. The associations with possible suicide deaths were mostly similar to those with suicide deaths, although there was no clear link between possible suicide deaths and psychiatric factors such as depression and generalized anxiety disorders. A limitation of the study is that there is likely underreporting of mental disorders due to the use of self-report information for some diagnostic categories.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we observed that a range of sociodemographic, lifestyle, stressful life events, physical, and mental health factors were associated with suicide in China. High-risk groups identified were elderly men in rural settings and individuals with mental disorders. These findings could form the basis of targeted approaches to reduce suicide mortality in China.

The pattern of stressful life events prior to suicide among the older adults in rural China: a national case-control psychological autopsy study

Background

There is a lack of evidence concerning the stressful life events experienced prior to suicide which may be associated with an increased suicide risk among Chinese rural older adults. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern of stressful life events prior to suicide among the older adults in China.

Methods

Twelve counties were randomly selected using two-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Suicide cases aged 60 years and older (n = 242) were collected from those counties from June 2014 to September 2015. Matched living controls were selected 1:1 with suicide cases by age, gender, and location. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews by a psychological autopsy method. The Life Event Scale for the Elderly was used to measure the stressful life events prior to suicide/interviews.

Results

Approximately 99.6% of suicide cases and 88.4% of controls experienced at least one stressful life event. The suicide group experienced more long-term stressful life events than recent stressful life events. The top three most frequent stressful life events for the suicide group were being diagnosed with chronic disease, hospitalization, and being diagnosed with terminal illness. More female suicide cases experienced the death of a spouse, while more males experienced hospitalization, diagnosis with terminal illness and family poverty. Experiencing at least one stressful life event, an unstable marital status, physical diseases and mental disorders were shown to increase the risk of suicide.

Conclusions

Stressful life events were common for the rural older adults, especially long-term stressful life events. The experience of at least one stressful life event can increase suicide risk among this population. More attention should be paid to the rural older adults who experienced more long-term stressful life events and health related life events.

Psychiatric morbidity and suicidal behaviour in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric disorders are reported to be present in 80% to 90% of suicide deaths in high-income countries (HIC), but this association is less clear in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There has been no previous systematic review of this issue in LMIC. The current study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in individuals with suicidal behaviour in LMIC.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE searches were conducted to identify quantitative research papers (any language) between 1990 and 2018 from LMIC that reported on the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in suicidal behaviour. We used meta-analytic techniques to generate pooled estimates for any psychiatric disorder and specific diagnosis based on International classification of disease (ICD-10) criteria. A total of 112 studies (154 papers) from 26 LMIC (India: 25%, China: 15%, and other LMIC: 60%) were identified, including 18 non-English articles. They included 30,030 individuals with nonfatal suicidal behaviour and 4,996 individuals who had died by suicide. Of the 15 studies (5 LMIC) that scored highly on our quality assessment, prevalence estimates for psychiatric disorders ranged between 30% and 80% in suicide deaths and between 3% and 86% in those who engaged in nonfatal suicidal behaviour. There was substantial heterogeneity between study estimates. Fifty-eight percent (95% CI 46%-71%) of those who died by suicide and 45% (95% CI 30%-61%) of those who engaged in nonfatal suicidal behaviour had a psychiatric disorder. The most prevalent disorder in both fatal and nonfatal suicidal behaviour was mood disorder (25% and 21%, respectively). Schizophrenia and related disorders were identified in 8% (4%-12%) of those who died by suicide and 7% (3%-11%) of those who engaged in nonfatal suicidal behaviour. In nonfatal suicidal behaviour, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse were identified in 19% (1%-36%) and 11% (7%-16%) of individuals, respectively. This systematic review was limited by the low number of high-quality studies and restricting our searches to databases that mainly indexed English language journals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a possible lower prevalence of psychiatric disorders in suicidal behaviour in LMIC. We found very few high-quality studies and high levels of heterogeneity in pooled estimates of psychiatric disorder, which could reflect differing study methods or real differences. There is a clear need for more robust evidence in order for LMIC to strike the right balance between community-based and mental health focussed interventions.

Physical Illnesses and Medically Serious Suicide Attempts in Rural China

Background: Physical illness is a strong correlate of suicidal behavior. However, its impact on attempted suicide in rural China is under-studied. Aims: This study was designed to assess the influence of physical illness on risk of suicide attempts and to identify distinguishing characteristics among medically serious suicide attempters with physical illnesses from those without. Method: Participants were medically serious suicide attempters identified through hospital emergency rooms (n = 659) as well as age- and gender-matched community controls (n = 659) from Shandong Province, China. Face-to-face interviews with the respondents were conducted with a semistructured protocol that included sociodemographic and psychological measures. Results: Physical illness was a significant risk factor for medically serious suicide attempts (OR = 1.739, 95% CI = 1.182-2.560). Older age was a significant risk factor, while female gender, no religion, and non-peasant occupations were significant protective factors for suicide attempts with physical illness. Limitations: Samples from only one province may not completely represent all serious suicide attempters in China. Furthermore, we did not assess the severity and the degree to which their physical illness limited the functioning of the individual. Conclusion: Physical illness is an important risk factor for suicide attempts in rural China. More efforts are needed to specifically target older people, males, those with religious beliefs, and peasant workers with physical illness.

Insomnia as an independent predictor of suicide attempts: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have verified that insomnia is associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and death by suicide. Limited population-based cohort studies have been conducted to examine the association. The present study aimed to analyze whether insomnia increases the risk of suicide attempts and verify the effects of insomnia on suicide risk.

METHODS

This study is a cohort study using 2000-2013 hospitalization data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to track the rate of suicide attempts among insomnia patients aged 15 years or older. In addition, a 1:2 pairing based on sex, age, and date of hospitalization was conducted to identify the reference cohort (patients without insomnia). Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the effects of insomnia on suicide risk.

RESULTS

The total number of hospitalized patients aged 15 years or older was 479,967 between 2000 and 2013 (159,989 patients with insomnia and 319,978 patients without insomnia). After adjusting for confounders, suicide risk in insomnia patients was 3.533-fold that of patients without insomnia (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 3.533, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.059-4.080, P < 0.001). Suicide risk in low-income patients was 1.434-fold (adjusted HR = 1.434, 95% CI = 1.184-1.736, P < 0.001) that of non-low-income patients. Suicide risk in patients with drug dependence and with mental disorders was 1.592-fold (adjusted HR = 1.592, 95% CI = 1.220-2.077, P < 0.001) and 4.483-fold (adjusted HR = 4.483, 95% CI = 3.934-5.109, P < 0.001) that of patients without drug dependence and without mental disorders, respectively. In the female population, suicide risk in insomnia patients was 4.186-fold (adjusted HR = 4.186, 95% CI = 3.429-5.111, P < 0.001) that of patients without insomnia. Among patients aged 25-44 years, suicide risk in insomnia patients was 5.546-fold (adjusted HR = 5.546, 95% CI = 4.236-7.262, P < 0.001) that of patients without insomnia. Furthermore, the suicide risk of insomnia patients with mental disorders was 18.322-fold that of patients without insomnia and mental disorders (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Insomnia, low income, drug dependence, and mental disorders are independent risk factors for suicide attempts. Female patients and those aged 25-44 years are at high risk of suicide due to insomnia. Insomnia, mental disorders, and low income exhibit a synergistic effect on suicide attempts. Clinicians should pay attention to mental status and income level of insomnia patients.

Suicide deaths by intentional self-poisoning in people with cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize self-poisoning deaths in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and compare to other suicide decedent groups.

METHODS

Suicide deaths by self-poisoning in people with CVD (n = 151) were compared to suicide deaths by other methods in people with CVD (n = 260) and suicide deaths by self-poisoning in people without CVD (n = 509). Sub-analysis of the CVD self-poisoning group compared people with depression and without depression. Toxicology reports were compared between intentional self-poisoning groups.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of suicide deaths were due to self-poisoning in the CVD group compared to the non-CVD group. People with CVD were less likely to have any identified stressor (excluding medical stressor) prior to dying from self-poisoning compared to those without CVD. Female sex, past suicide attempts, living circumstances, and comorbid substance abuse were each significantly associated with self-poisoning as the method of suicide in people with CVD. Opioid, any antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were commonly identified as lethal in people with CVD. Compared to people in the CVD self-poisoning without depression group, people in the CVD self-poisoning with depression group were more likely to have lethal levels of TCAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings characterize suicide deaths in people with CVD, and identified notable differences based on method of death and presence of depression.

Behavior Characteristics and Risk Factors for Suicide Among the Elderly in Rural China

We examine the characteristics of suicide behavior and associated risk factors in the elderly in rural China, compared with the nonelderly. Paired case-control design and psychological autopsy were used for subject recruitment and data collection. The included cases were 104 suicides of the elderly aged 60 years or older, 86 suicides of the nonelderly, and sex- and age-paired controls from the same villages. Although the characteristics of suicide behavior were similar between the two age groups of victims, the elderly who died by suicide had a greater tendency to experience negative life events and not live with a spouse. Suicide of the nonelderly was associated with family history of suicide, poor social support, and impulsivity. The influence of negative life events on the risk of suicide was greater in the elderly. Thus, efforts for suicide prevention must be tailored to the needs of specific age groups.

Functional and dysfunctional impulsivity and attempted suicide in rural China: A paired case-control study

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between functional and dysfunctional impulsivity and attempted suicide in rural China. Data of this study came from the investigation of 407 suicide attempters and their paired non-suicide attempters matched with the same gender, age (±3 years) and residence area in six counties in rural Shandong, China. Suicide attempters accounted for a lower proportion on high functional impulsivity, but a higher proportion on high dysfunctional impulsivity than non-suicide attempters. Dysfunctional impulsivity in the male denoted a significant risk factor for attempted suicide, even after adjustment for psychiatric disorder and demographic factors. Suicide attempters with high dysfunctional impulsivity had a higher percent of family suicide history than those with low dysfunctional impulsivity. High functional impulsivity was a significant protective factor for attempted suicide in the group aged 35-59 years, but a significant risk factor in the group aged 15-34 years. Suicide attempters with low functional impulsivity had poorer economic status and older age than those with high functional impulsivity. Our findings support the key roles of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity in attempted suicide among rural residents of China.

Social Psychological Factors and Suicidal Intent Among Suicide Attempters in Rural China: A Path Analysis

This study explores the effects of social psychological factors on suicidal intent among suicide attempters in rural China. Suicide attempters were identified by the county-level Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) and interviewed by the research team. A path analysis was conducted with physical illness, social support, and negative life events as exogenous variables, and life satisfaction, depressive emotions, and suicidal intent as endogenous variables. Beginning with a saturation model, a best model was obtained after removing the paths that were not significant. In the final model, depressive emotions and life satisfaction were directly associated with suicidal intent, and the standardized effect estimates were 0.3007 (p < 0.001) and -0.1182 (p = 0.0368). Physical illness, social support, and negative life events did not directly affect suicidal intent but had indirect effect. Depressive emotions may be the most important and direct predictor of suicidal intent; physical illness, negative life events, and social support affect suicidal intent through life satisfaction and depressive emotions.

Characteristics of suicide completers and attempters in rural Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the similarities and differences between suicide completers and attempters in rural China.

METHODS

Two paired case-control studies of completed suicide and suicide attempts were conducted in rural Shandong, China. This analysis included 409 suicide attempters (SA) with a mean age of 43.90 (SD=13.31), 117 suicide completers (SC) with a mean age of 50.38 (SD=13.02) and their controls matched by gender, age (within 3years), and residence. Logistic regression models were used to examine risk factors of suicide attempts and completed suicide and the differences between SA and SC.

RESULTS

Compared to their matched controls, suicide attempters and completers shared the following common risk factors: low levels of education (middle school or under) (OR, 95% CI: 2.79, 1.40-5.55 for SA and 16.98, 1.59-181.60 for SC), negative life events (OR, 95% CI: 7.37, 4.73-11.50 for SA and 21.08, 4.74-93.71 for SC), and mental disorders (OR, 95% CI: 7.52, 3.85-14.69 for SA and 22.39, 2.65-189.60 for SC). Compared to suicide attempts, completed suicide was associated with the following risk factors: male gender (OR, 95% CI: 1.75, 1.06-2.90), advancing age (OR, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.00-1.04), poor family economic status (OR, 95% CI: 6.74, 3.22-14.13), prior suicide attempts (OR, 95% CI: 2.43, 1.18-4.97), family suicide history (OR, 95% CI: 2.59, 1.33-5.06), high suicide intent (OR, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.05-1.27), and highly lethal methods (OR, 95% CI: 13.65, 6.51-28.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Although suicide completers and attempters share some common risk factors, suicide completers are more likely to have prior suicide attempts, family suicide history, and higher suicidal intent, and to use highly lethal methods in rural Chinese.

Analysis of Internet Suicide Pacts Reported by the Media in Mainland China

BACKGROUND

In mainland China, frequent Internet suicide pacts in recent years have raised strong concerns from several social sectors and the influence of social networks on suicide is constantly growing.

AIMS

To identify the epidemiological characteristics of media-reported Internet suicide pacts in mainland China.

METHOD

Our study comprised 62 Internet suicide pacts involving 159 victims in mainland China before June 1, 2015. Kendall's randomness test, a trend test, and a circular distribution test were applied to identify the rising or concentrated trends in the time of occurrence of Internet suicide pacts.

RESULTS

The overall male-to-female ratio was 2.3:1. Suicide victims were mainly people in their 20s to 30s (84.1%). In all, 87.1% suicide victims completed suicide in sealed hotels or rental housing, and charcoal-burning suicide accounted for 80.6% of cases.

CONCLUSION

People who complete suicide as part of an Internet suicide pact are more likely to be males, aged 20-30 years. Charcoal-burning suicide in sealed hotels or rental housing was the commonest way of dying.

A systematic review of physical illness, functional disability, and suicidal behaviour among older adults

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review of studies that examined associations between physical illness/functional disability and suicidal behaviour (including ideation, nonfatal and fatal suicidal behaviour) among individuals aged 65 and older.

METHOD

Articles published through November 2014 were identified through electronic searches using the ERIC, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Search terms used were suicid* or death wishes or deliberate self-harm. Studies about suicidal behaviour in individuals aged 65 and older with physical illness/functional disabilities were included in the review.

RESULTS

Sixty-five articles (across 61 independent samples) met inclusion criteria. Results from 59 quantitative studies conducted in four continents suggest that suicidal behaviour is associated with functional disability and numerous specific conditions including malignant diseases, neurological disorders, pain, COPD, liver disease, male genital disorders, and arthritis/arthrosis. Six qualitative studies from three continents contextualized these findings, providing insights into the subjective experiences of suicidal individuals. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Functional disability, as well as a number of specific physical illnesses, was shown to be associated with suicidal behaviour in older adults. We need to learn more about what at-risk, physically ill patients want, and need, to inform prevention efforts for older adults.

Insomnia Symptom, Mental Disorder and Suicide: A Case-Control Study in Chinese Rural Youths

Insomnia has been reported as a risk factor of suicidal behaviors, but few studies have examined the association among insomnia, mental disorder and suicide, especially among Chinese populations. In this study, we examined the effect of insomnia symptoms on completed suicide in a large sample of suicides and their controls in Chinese rural youths. Subjects were 388 consecutively recruited suicides and 416 community living controls aged 15-34 years in the rural areas of three provinces in China. Established psychological autopsy method was used for the data collection. Insomnia symptoms were assessed with sleep questions in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) about insomnia, including difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS) and early morning awakening (EMA). The results showed that DIS (OR=12.01, p<0.001), DMS (OR=12.82, p<0.001) or EMA (OR=12.08, p<0.001) was significantly associated with increased risk of suicide even after mental disorder was controlled for. Our study showed that insomnia can be an independent risk factor for suicide. Mental disorders mediated the association between insomnia and suicide. Insomnia should be assessed and treated for individuals at risk of suicide.