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Shin S, Pirkis J, Spittal MJ, Too LS, Clapperton A. Change in incidents of suicidal acts after intervention on a bridge in South Korea. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02744-9. [PMID: 39120715 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02744-9] [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: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether two novel interventions on a bridge - a Video Incident Detection System (VIDS) and spinning bar barriers - have an impact on suicidal behaviour on the bridge. METHODS A total of 146 suicidal acts were retrieved for analyses; 108 interventions before suicidal acts, 35 suicide deaths and 3 suicide attempts. Incident rate ratios (IRR) were calculated to estimate the change in incident rate associated with implementation of the two interventions: VIDS and the spinning bar 2-metre high barrier. RESULTS The results of the Poisson regression showed that the rate of suicide deaths, after installation the VIDS, did not change significantly (IRR: 1.23, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 0.59-2.56), although the rate of intervened suicidal acts increased (IRR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.65-3.47). The results showed that subsequent spinning bar installation resulted in a decrease in the incident rate of intervened suicidal acts (IRR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25-0.57) as well as suicide deaths (IRR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.71). Comparison of the period when both interventions were in place with the period with no interventions indicated a reduction in suicide deaths (IRR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.82), but no change in intervened suicidal acts (IRR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.59-1.38). CONCLUSION The rate of suicide death decreased after the installation of the spinning bar barrier but not after the implementation of VIDS alone. Our findings reinforce that restricting access to means is a highly effective way of preventing suicide on bridges and that spinning bars may be a helpful way to design barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangsoo Shin
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Angela Clapperton
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Balt E, Mérelle S, Popma A, Creemers D, Heesen K, van Eijk N, van den Brand I, Gilissen R. Sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors of railway suicide a mixed-methods study combining data of all suicide decedents in the Netherlands with data from a psychosocial autopsy study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:607. [PMID: 38408949 PMCID: PMC10895750 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Railway suicide has profound implications for the victims and their family, and affects train drivers, railway personnel, emergency services and witnesses. To inform a multilevel prevention strategy, more knowledge is required about psychosocial and precipitating risk factors of railway suicide. METHODS Data from Statistics Netherlands of all suicides between 2017 and 2021 (n = 9.241) of whom 986 died by railway suicide and interview data from a psychosocial autopsy of railway suicide decedents (n = 39) were integrated. We performed logistic regression analyses to identify sociodemographic predictors of railway suicide compared to other methods of suicide. The Constant Comparative Method was subsequently employed on interview data from the psychosocial autopsy to identify patterns in psychosocial risk factors for railway suicide. RESULTS The strongest predictors of railway suicide compared to other suicide methods were young age (< 30 years old), native Dutch, a high educational level, living in a multi-person household (especially living with parents or in an institution), living in a rural area and a high annual household income of > 150.000 euros. Several subgroups emerged in the psychosocial autopsy interviews, which specifically reflect populations at risk of railway suicide. These subgroups were [1] young adult males with autism spectrum disorder who strived for more autonomy and an independent life, [2] young adult females with persistent suicidal thoughts and behaviours, [3] middle-aged males with a persistent mood disorder who lived with family and who faced stressors proximal to the suicide in personal and professional settings, [4] male out-of-the-blue suicides and [5] persons with psychotic symptoms and a rapid deterioration. CONCLUSIONS based on our findings we propose and discuss several recommendations to prevent railway suicide. We must continue to invest in a safe railway environment by training personnel and installing barriers. Additionally, we should adopt prevention strategies that align the needs of subgroups at increased risk, including young females who have attempted other methods of suicide and young males with autism spectrum disorder. Future research should determine the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of low-maintenance, automated interventions near crossings and psychiatric facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Balt
- 113 Suicide Prevention, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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3
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Mays VM, Gareeb M, Zhang X, Nguyen V, Rosenberg J, Lin Y, Arseniev-Koehler A, Eliav A, Foster JG, Baumgardner M, Cochran SD. Identifying Witnessed Suicides in National Violent Death Reporting System Narratives. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:209. [PMID: 38255097 PMCID: PMC10815175 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing attention to suicides that occur in view of others, as these deaths can cause significant psychological impact on witnesses. This study illuminates characteristics of witnessed suicides and compares characteristics of these deaths to non-witnessed suicides. We develop a codable definition of what constitutes witnessed (vs. non-witnessed) suicide. Our data include a sample of 1200 suicide descriptions from the 2003-2017 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). We first developed criteria to identify probable cases of witnessed suicide. The coding scheme achieved 94.5% agreement and identified approximately 10% (n = 125) of suicides as witnessed. Next, we examined differences between witnessed and non-witnessed suicides in demographics, manner of death, and social/environmental factors using bivariate Chi-squared tests, multivariate logistic regression, and ANOVA. Witnessed suicide decedents were significantly more likely than non-witnessed suicide decedents to be male, younger, and members of a sexual minority, and to have died in living spaces by means of a firearm. Two thirds of witnesses were strangers to the decedents, while 23.2% were romantic partners or ex-partners of the decedents. Our coding method offers a reliable approach to identify witnessed suicides. While witnessed suicides are relatively infrequent, these deaths have profound impact on witnesses. Articulating the features of witnessed suicides may contribute to identifying potential risk mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickie M. Mays
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
| | - Mikaela Gareeb
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
| | - Xingruo Zhang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Vivian Nguyen
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
| | - Joelle Rosenberg
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Yuri Lin
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
| | - Alina Arseniev-Koehler
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam Eliav
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
| | - Jacob Gates Foster
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Mika Baumgardner
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
| | - Susan D. Cochran
- UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.G.); (V.N.); (Y.L.); (A.A.-K.); (A.E.); (J.G.F.); (S.D.C.)
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Yogesan DS, Onie S, De Belen RA, Beavan G, Sowmya A, Larsen M. Evaluating a Human Detection Model in a Behaviour Analysis Pipeline for Suicide Prevention. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38082742 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10339992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Suicides in public places, such as railways, can have a significant impact on bystanders, railway staff, first responders and the surrounding communities. Behaviours prior to a suicide attempt have been identified, that could potentially be detected automatically. As a first step, the algorithm is required to accurately identify individuals exhibiting these behaviours in different settings. Our study analyses a human detection model focussing on pedestrian detection at railway stations as one component of a broader project to detect pre-suicidal behaviours. Closed-circuit television footage from two stations collected for the same 24-hour period were manually analysed to obtain parameters (true positives, false positives, and false negatives) which were then used to compute performance measures (sensitivity, precision, and F1 score). The model performed differently in both stations with a sensitivity of 0.73 and F1 score of 0.84 in Station A and a sensitivity of 0.48 and F1 score of 0.65 in Station B. Root causes of false negatives identified include differing body postures and occlusion. Although the model was adequate, its performance is dependent on the view captured by the cameras in stations. Collectively, these findings can be used to improve the model's performance.Clinical Relevance-Detecting behaviours prior to a suicide attempt offers a critical period for intervention by bystanders or first responders, potentially interrupting the attempt. This offers the potential to directly reduce suicide attempts, as well as reduce third-party exposure to these traumatic events.
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Duddin KSE, Raynes B. Why Choose the Railway? CRISIS 2021; 43:419-425. [PMID: 34427457 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The impact of railway suicide in the United Kingdom is extensive, yet reasons for why people choose this method are not clearly understood and research into the examination of suicide notes in this area is limited. Aims: Our study aimed to utilize the unique access to suicide notes written by those who died by suicide on the railway so as to gain a greater understanding of why people chose this method. Method: Descriptive and thematic analysis was conducted on 75 suicide notes for those who had died by suicide on the UK railway between 2010 and 2016. Results: Demographic findings from the sample were largely consistent with railway UK data trends. Five main themes were identified as being significant: "certain and instant," "impersonal and non-human," "ability to be planned," "a good death," and "bereavement suicide." Limitations: Findings are based on suicide note authors who died by suicide on the railway in the UK, as such generalizability may be limited. Conclusion: Findings suggest that people select the railway for their suicide for the following motives: perception of being instant and certain and viewed as a good death, ability to be planned, belief it causes less of a burden on loved ones (via the perception of the railway as impersonal), and a prior experience of it being fatal (via bereavement suicide). Key implications in relation to prevention strategies and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely S E Duddin
- Faculty of Business and Law, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
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Woolery S, Prahlow JA. Train-related suicidal decapitation. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:730-733. [PMID: 34106423 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00396-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Suicide by decapitation as a primary method of injury is not common. When decapitation does occur in association with suicide, it may be a secondary consequence of the primary method of suicide, for example massive blunt force trauma, or hanging with a significant drop; however, primary suicidal decapitation has been described specifically in the context of railway incidents wherein victims lie across railroad tracks in-front of oncoming trains. Herein we report the case of a 49-year-old male who was decapitated after lying-down with his neck atop a railroad track in a railroad stockyard. He was subsequently run over by a train as it began to move to leave the stockyard. This case of train-assisted suicide occurs less often than the more common modality of suicide by train wherein victims stand or jump in front of a moving train or lay their body across the railroad tracks in order to be struck by an oncoming train.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Woolery
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine, School of Medicine , Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
| | - Joseph A Prahlow
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine, School of Medicine , Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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7
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Indigenous ethnic identity, in-group warmth, and psychological wellbeing: A longitudinal study of Māori. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractLongitudinal studies into the relationship between affect (positive or negative feelings) towards one’s own ethnic group and wellbeing are rare, particularly for Indigenous peoples. In this paper, we test the longitudinal effects of in-group warmth (a measure of ethnic identity affect) and ethnic identity centrality on three wellbeing measures for New Zealand Māori: life satisfaction (LS), self-esteem (SE), and personal wellbeing (PW). Longitudinal panel data collected from Māori (N = 3803) aged 18 or over throughout seven annual assessments (2009–2015) in the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study were analyzed using latent trajectory models with structured residuals to examine cross-lagged within-person effects. Higher in-group warmth towards Māori predicted increases in all three wellbeing measures, even more strongly than ethnic identity centrality. Bi-directionally, PW and SE predicted increased in-group warmth, and SE predicted ethnic identification. Further, in sample-level (between-person) trends, LS and PW rose, but ethnic identity centrality interestingly declined over time. This is the first large-scale longitudinal study showing a strong relationship between positive affect towards one’s Indigenous ethnic group and wellbeing. Efforts at cultural recovery and restoration have been a deliberate protective response to colonization, but among Māori, enculturation and access to traditional cultural knowledge varies widely. The data reported here underline the role of ethnic identity affect as an important dimension of wellbeing and call for continued research into the role of this dimension of ethnic identity for Indigenous peoples.
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Sueki H. Characteristics of Train Stations Where Railway Suicides Have Occurred and Locations Within the Stations. CRISIS 2021; 43:53-58. [PMID: 33565338 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: To devise effective railway suicide countermeasures, it is necessary to identify stations where suicide is likely to occur. Aim: We explored the characteristics of stations where railway suicides have occurred and locations within the stations. Method: (Study 1) Using suicide data from between April 2014 and September 2019 provided by a major railway company in Japan, station-specific suicide was modeled as an outcome variable in a multivariate Poisson regression model. (Study 2) With railway company staff, we visited stations where suicide frequently occurs and conducted fieldwork. Results: (Study 1) Our estimation using a Poisson regression model revealed that railway suicides were more frequent when stations were serviced by passing trains, had a large number of passengers, and were located near psychiatric hospitals. (Study 2) Of 50 suicides, 48.0% occurred in front of benches or waiting rooms, 26.0% occurred at the front end of the platform, 24.0% occurred at the entrance to the platform, and 22.0% occurred at a blind spot for the train driver. Limitations: All data were provided by one railway company in Japan, limiting the generalizability of the results. Conclusion: Stations where suicide occurs frequently have distinct characteristics. Focusing on suicide hotspots may aid suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Sueki
- Department of Psychology and Education, Wako University, Tokyo, Japan
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Too LS, Ross A, Pirkis J, Reavley N, Reifels L. The Impact of the "Pause. Call. Be Heard" Campaign on Help-Seeking and Suicidal Behaviors Within Rail Environment in Victoria, Australia. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2020; 50:490-501. [PMID: 31750561 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of the "Pause. Call. Be Heard" campaign on help-seeking and suicidal behaviors within rail environment in Victoria, Australia. METHODS An anonymous online survey was conducted to measure noticeability of and engagement with the campaign and help-seeking intentions and behaviors among rail commuters at 10 rail stations. We generated descriptive statistics to report these data and used logistic regression models to examine the association between campaign-related factors and help-seeking. Changes in Lifeline crisis calls and rail suicide behaviors from precampaign to campaign periods were examined using proportion tests. RESULTS About 25% of rail commuters noticed the campaign and rated the materials as "moderately noticeable." Over half of these individuals correctly identified the campaign intentions and 75% engaged with the materials. Approximately 80% indicated that the materials increased their help-seeking intentions and about half indicated that they had engaged with help-seeking and/or self-caring behaviors. Engaging with the campaign was positively associated with help-seeking. A significant increase in crisis calls but not in suicide-related calls, and a nonsignificant decrease in rail suicidal behaviors were found during the campaign period. CONCLUSIONS Continued implementation of the campaign is warranted as it showed some desirable effects on help-seeking among rail commuters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay San Too
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Anna Ross
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicola Reavley
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Lennart Reifels
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Gregor S, Beavan G, Culbert A, Kan John P, Ngo NV, Keating B, Sun R, Radwan I. Patterns of pre-crash behaviour in railway suicides and the effect of corridor fencing: a natural experiment in New South Wales. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2019; 26:423-430. [PMID: 31480901 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2019.1660376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Suicides on railway systems remain a significant concern world-wide. Understanding patterns of pre-crash behaviour, whether jumping, lying or wandering on tracks, is important for the design of preventative measures, yet prior studies have reported divergent patterns of behaviour. This study tested the hypothesis that higher standards of corridor fencing reduce the proportion of train suicides in the non-jumping category. Data was analyzed as a natural experiment for 171 cases of apparent railway suicides in New South Wales (NSW) for the period 2011-2018. Results were congruent with the hypothesis. A higher level of corridor fencing in metropolitan Sydney was associated with a lower proportion in the non-jumping category (33%) compared with regional areas (74%). The article contributes by showing that: (i) fencing appears to lead to a reduction in some types of rail suicides and thus; (ii) contributes to a lower overall rate of suicide by train; and (iii) even with fencing, the non-jumping incidents warrant attention for appropriate countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Gregor
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gary Beavan
- Transport for NSW, Haymarket, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Priscilla Kan John
- Research School of Computer Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nguyen Viet Ngo
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Byron Keating
- QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ruonan Sun
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Radwan
- Research School of Management, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Bakst SS, Berchenko Y, Braun T, Shohat T. The Effects of Publicized Suicide Deaths on Subsequent Suicide Counts in Israel. Arch Suicide Res 2019; 23:440-454. [PMID: 29791280 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2018.1456991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated associations between indiscriminate media reporting of suicides and later inflated suicide counts among Israel's general population between the years 2008 and 2012. Self-inflicted deaths that received post-suicide media exposure (referred to as "publicized suicides") were selected via Google news search-hit appraisals. Distributions of suicides were inspected and risk ratios (RRs) estimated by comparing population suicide rates 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after each publicized suicide ("reference" vs. "affected" periods, respectively). Poisson time series regression was employed to account also for secular trends and seasonality. A total of 2,119 people died by suicide, 13 of whom received noticeable media attention throughout the study. No meaningful impact following the 13 deaths on subsequent suicide counts during the observation window (affected vs. reference phase) was found. Poisson regression confirmed that suicide counts following publicized suicides were independent of media coverage. Given the pronounced search hits following the publicized suicides developing regulation practices that constrain indiscreet media reporting should officially be included as part of suicide prevention practices. Future research should focus on imitation suicide effects as a function of post-suicide media exposure, while including both risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly S Bakst
- a Ministry of Health , Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC) , Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Yakir Berchenko
- b Biostatistics Unit Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research , Ramat Gan , Israel.,c Department of Industrial Engineering and Management , Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Be'er-Sheva , Israel
| | - Tali Braun
- a Ministry of Health , Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC) , Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Tamy Shohat
- a Ministry of Health , Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC) , Ramat Gan , Israel.,d Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
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12
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Marzano L, Mackenzie JM, Kruger I, Borrill J, Fields B. Factors deterring and prompting the decision to attempt suicide on the railway networks: findings from 353 online surveys and 34 semi-structured interviews. Br J Psychiatry 2019; 215:1-6. [PMID: 30724142 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2018.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a suicide on the British railways every 36 hours. However, the reasons why people choose to die by train are not well understood.AimsTo explore factors influencing and discouraging the decision to attempt suicide on the railway networks. METHOD We conducted an online survey and qualitative interviews with individuals who had contemplated or attempted suicide by train. RESULTS A total of 353 survey responders had considered and 23 had attempted suicide at rail locations (including railways and metro/underground); a third of these cases were impulsive. The most frequently reported motivations for contemplating or attempting suicide were perceptions of quick and certain lethality (54 and 37%, respectively) and easy access to rail settings (33 and 38%, respectively). The main factor discouraging people from rail suicide was its wider impact, especially on train drivers (19%). In qualitative interviews (N = 34) the desire to avoid intervention from others was also a common motivating factor for attempting suicide on the railway networks. CONCLUSIONS People attempt suicide by train because railway settings are easy to access and because of an inaccurate perception of certain and quick lethality. Tackling exaggerated perceptions of lethality may help reduce suicides by train.Declaration of interestNone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marzano
- Associate Professor of Psychology,Psychology Department,Middlesex University London,UK
| | - Jay-Marie Mackenzie
- Senior Lecturer in Psychology,Psychology Department, University of Westminster,UK
| | - Ian Kruger
- Candidate in Computer Science,Department of Computer Science, Middlesex University London,UK
| | - Jo Borrill
- Senior Lecturer in Psychology,Psychology Department, University of Westminster,UK
| | - Bob Fields
- Associate Professor of Computer Science,Department of Computer Science, Middlesex University London,UK
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Ryan B, Kallberg VP, Rådbo H, Havârneanu GM, Silla A, Lukaschek K, Burkhardt JM, Bruyelle JL, El-Koursi EM, Beurskens E, Hedqvist M. Collecting evidence from distributed sources to evaluate railway suicide and trespass prevention measures. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:1433-1453. [PMID: 29884104 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2018.1485970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It can be difficult to select from available safety preventative measures, especially where there is limited evidence of effectiveness in different contexts. This paper describes application of a method to identify and evaluate wide-ranging preventative measures for rail suicide and trespass fatalities. Evidence from literature and industry sources was collated and reviewed in a two stage process to achieve consensus among experts on the likely effects of the measures and factors influencing their implementation. Multiple evaluation criteria were used to examine the measures from different perspectives. Fencing, awareness campaigns and different types of organisational initiatives were recommended for further testing. This is the first time evidence has been collected internationally across such a range of preventative measures. Commentary is provided on using this type of approach to select safety measures from a pool of prevention options, including how re-framing the scope of the exercise could identify alternative options for prevention. Practitioner summary: The findings give insight to how different measures work in different ways and how industry can consider this in strategic initiatives. The method could be used in future studies with different frames of reference (e.g. different timescales, level of ambition and safety context e.g. railway crossings or highway fatalities). Abbreviation: RESTRAIL: REduction of Suicides and Trespasses on RAILway property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Ryan
- a Faculty of Engineering , University of Nottingham, University Park , Nottingham , UK
| | | | | | | | - Anne Silla
- b VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd , VTT , Finland
| | - Karoline Lukaschek
- e Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich , Munich , Germany
- f Helmholtz Zentrum München German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology. Neuherberg , Germany
| | | | - Jean-Luc Bruyelle
- h CRISTAL - Centre deRecherche en Informatique, Signal et Automatique de Lille, University of Lille , Lille , France
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Strale M, Krysinska K, Van Overmeiren G, Andriessen K. Suicide on the Railways in Belgium: A Typology of Locations and Potential for Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102074. [PMID: 30248897 PMCID: PMC6209948 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Suicide on railway networks comprises a serious public health problem. However, the geographical distribution and the environmental risk factors remain unclear. This study analyzed the geographic distribution of railway suicides in Belgium from 2008–2013 at the level of a railway section (average length of 3.5 km). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified three groups of correlations that helped explain the variance of railway suicide. The three groups are related to characteristics of urban spaces, psychiatric facilities, and railway traffic density. Based on the PCA results, the study found four types of railway sections. The density of railway suicide was average and low in the urban and rural/industrial sections, respectively. However, it was high in the suburban sections and the sections close to psychiatric facilities. As the geographical proximity of a psychiatric facility comprises a specific risk factor for suicide on railways, preventative measures should target these sections and establish collaborations with psychiatric facilities. The typology of locations found in this study constitutes crucial information for national and local suicide prevention on the Belgian railway network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Strale
- Institut de Gestion de l'Environnement et d'Amenagement du Territoire (IGEAT-ULB), Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia.
| | | | - Karl Andriessen
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia.
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Hospital Rd, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia.
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Barker E, Kolves K, De Leo D. Rail-suicide prevention: Systematic literature review of evidence-based activities. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2017; 9. [PMID: 27412891 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rail-related suicide is a relatively rare but extremely lethal method of suicide that can have far-reaching consequences. OBJECTIVE The aim of the systematic literature review was to analyze the existing literature on the effectiveness of rail-suicide prevention activities. DATA SOURCES Databases used were Scopus, Medline, and ProQuest. SEARCH TERMS The search terms used were "suicid*," "prevent*," "rail*," or "train." ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA English-language studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1 January 1990 and 30 April 2015 that presented an overview of rail-related suicide prevention activities and included an analysis of effectiveness were used. RESULTS We retrieved 1,229 results in the original search with nine papers presenting empirical evidence. Three studies in the review analyzed the effectiveness of platform screen doors and another three analyzed the installation of blue lights, two papers analyzed the effectiveness of suicide pits, and one included the influence of media reporting guidelines. CONCLUSION Platform screen doors, suicide pits, blue lights, and improved media guidelines all have the potential to reduce rail-related suicide events and deaths. LIMITATIONS The review was restricted to English-language peer-reviewed papers published within the chosen time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barker
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Kairi Kolves
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Diego De Leo
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
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Too LS, Bugeja L, Milner A, McClure R, Spittal MJ. Predictors of using trains as a suicide method: Findings from Victoria, Australia. Psychiatry Res 2017; 253:233-239. [PMID: 28395228 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.03.057] [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: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the choice of trains over other means of suicide. We performed a case-control study using data on all suicides in Victoria, Australia between 2009 and 2012. Cases were those who died by rail suicide and controls were those who died by suicide by any other means. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the choice of trains and a range of individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors. Individuals who were never married had double odds of using trains compared to individuals who were married. Those from areas with a higher proportion of people who travel to work by train also had greater odds of dying by railway suicide compared to those from areas with a relatively lower proportion of people who travel to work by train. Prevention efforts should consider limiting access to the railways and other evidence-based suicide prevention activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lyndal Bugeja
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison Milner
- Deakin Population Health SRC, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roderick McClure
- Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard School of Public Health, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Individual and community factors for railway suicide: a matched case-control study in Victoria, Australia. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2016; 51:849-56. [PMID: 27028229 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-016-1212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to simultaneously examine individual- and community-level factors associated with railway suicide. METHODS We performed a case-control study in Victoria, Australia between 2001 and 2012. Data on cases of railway suicide were obtained from the National Coronial Information System (a database of coronial investigations). Controls were living individuals randomly selected from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia study, matching to cases on age groups, sex and year of exposures. A conditional logistic regression model was used to assess the individual-level and community-level influences on individual odds of railway suicide, controlling for socioeconomic status. RESULTS Individual-level diagnosed mental illness increased railway suicide odds by six times [95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.5, 9.2]. Community-level factors such as living in an area with a presence of railway tracks [odds ratio (OR) 1.8, 95 % CI 1.2, 2.8], within a city (OR 3.2, 95 % CI 1.9, 5.4), and with a higher overall suicide rate (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.01, 1.04) were independently associated with greater individual odds of railway suicide compared to living in an area without a presence of railway tracks, outside a city, and with a relatively lower overall suicide rate. CONCLUSIONS The effects of mental illness and high incidence of overall suicides are prominent, but not specific on railway suicide. The effects of presence of railway tracks and city residence suggest the importance of accessibility to the railways for individual risk of railway suicide. Prevention efforts should focus on vulnerable people live in areas with easy access to the railways.
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Strale M, Krysinska K, Overmeiren GV, Andriessen K. Geographic distribution of suicide and railway suicide in Belgium, 2008-2013: a principal component analysis. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2016; 24:232-244. [PMID: 27094517 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2016.1166140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the geographic distribution of suicide and railway suicide in Belgium over 2008--2013 on local (i.e., district or arrondissement) level. There were differences in the regional distribution of suicide and railway suicides in Belgium over the study period. Principal component analysis identified three groups of correlations among population variables and socio-economic indicators, such as population density, unemployment, and age group distribution, on two components that helped explaining the variance of railway suicide at a local (arrondissement) level. This information is of particular importance to prevent suicides in high-risk areas on the Belgian railway network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Strale
- a Institut de Gestion de l'Environnement et d'Aménagement du Territoire (IGEAT-ULB), Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- b Centre of Research Excellence in Suicide Prevention , Black Dog Institute , Sydney , Australia
| | | | - Karl Andriessen
- d School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia.,e Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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Pirkis J, Too LS, Spittal MJ, Krysinska K, Robinson J, Cheung YTD. Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:994-1001. [PMID: 26409438 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various interventions have been introduced to try to prevent suicides at suicide hotspots, but evidence of their effectiveness needs to be strengthened. METHODS We did a systematic search of Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies of interventions, delivered in combination with others or in isolation, to prevent suicide at suicide hotspots. We did a meta-analysis to assess the effect of interventions that restrict access to means, encourage help-seeking, or increase the likelihood of intervention by a third party. FINDINGS We identified 23 articles representing 18 unique studies. After we removed one outlier, interventions that restricted access to means were associated with a reduction in the number of suicides per year (incidence rate ratio 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.27; p<0.0001), as were interventions that encourage help-seeking (0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.83; p=0.0086), and interventions that increase the likelihood of intervention by a third party (0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.89; p=0.0155). When we included only those studies that assessed a particular intervention in isolation, restricting access to means was associated with a reduction in the risk of suicide (0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.19; p<0.0001), as was encouraging help-seeking (0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.80; p=0.0101); no studies assessed increasing the likelihood of intervention by a third party as a lone intervention. INTERPRETATION The key approaches that are currently used as interventions at suicide hotspots seem to be effective. Priority should be given to ongoing implementation and assessment of initiatives at suicide hotspots, not only to prevent so-called copycat events, but also because of the effect that suicides at these sites have on people who work at them, live near them, or frequent them for other reasons. FUNDING National Health and Medical Research Council, Commonwealth Department of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre of Research Excellence in Suicide Prevention, Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen: The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Koburger N, Mergl R, Rummel-Kluge C, Ibelshäuser A, Meise U, Postuvan V, Roskar S, Székely A, Ditta Tóth M, van der Feltz-Cornelis C, Hegerl U. Celebrity suicide on the railway network: Can one case trigger international effects? J Affect Disord 2015; 185:38-46. [PMID: 26143403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the railway suicide of the German national goalkeeper Robert Enke in 2009, a significant increase of railway suicides was observed nationally. This study analyses whether this incident also triggered copycat effects in other European countries. Additionally, media coverage proxied by Google Trends and long-term changes taking into account general changes in suicide rates and kilometres driven by trains were examined. METHODS The numbers of railway suicides before and after Enke´s suicide were analysed for short and long-term periods (2 weeks and 2 years post-event) across five European countries. Incidence ratios and resulting percentage changes were computed. RESULTS Similar to Germany, there were significant short and long-term effects for the combined data of the four other countries (increase of 93.9%; p=0.004 and 16.7%; p=0.003). There was no indication that long-term effects are a mere reflection of an overall increase in suicide frequencies or due to increased numbers of kilometres driven by trains. Analyses on country level revealed heterogeneous results. LIMITATIONS Due to incomplete data, analyses regarding age and gender were not performed. Media coverage was only proxied by a Google Trends analysis. The study includes a small sample of European countries. CONCLUSIONS Enke's suicide in 2009 was followed by increasing train suicide numbers in Europe. Although this incident may have reinforced an existing European trend of growing railway suicides, an international copycat effect and/or an increased overall awareness about this particular suicide method appears to be one likely explanation for the changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Koburger
- Depression Research Centre, German Depression Foundation, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Roland Mergl
- Depression Research Centre, German Depression Foundation, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Depression Research Centre, German Depression Foundation, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Ullrich Meise
- Society for Mental Health - pro mente tirol, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Vita Postuvan
- Slovene Centre for Suicide Research, Institute Andrej Marusic, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Saska Roskar
- National Institute for Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - András Székely
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Ditta Tóth
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department Tranzo, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands; Topclinical Center for Body, Mind and Health, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Hegerl
- Depression Research Centre, German Depression Foundation, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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22
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Too LS, Spittal MJ, Bugeja L, Milner A, Stevenson M, McClure R. An investigation of neighborhood-level social, economic and physical factors for railway suicide in Victoria, Australia. J Affect Disord 2015; 183:142-8. [PMID: 26005775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the associations between railway suicide and neighborhood social, economic, and physical determinants using postcode-level data. It also examines whether the associations are influenced by having high concentration of high-risk individuals in a neighborhood area. METHODS Railway suicide cases from Victoria, Australia for the period of 2001-2012, their age, sex, year of death, usual residential address and suicide location were obtained from the National Coronial Information System. Univariate negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the association between railway suicide and neighborhood-level social, economic and physical factors. Variables which were significant in these univariate models were then assessed in a multivariate model, controlling for age and sex of the deceased and other known confounders. RESULTS Findings from the multivariate analysis indicate that an elevated rate of railway suicide was strongly associated with neighborhood exposure of higher number of railway stations (IRR=1.30 95% CI=1.16-1.46). Other significant neighborhood risk factors included patronage volume (IRR=1.06, 95% CI=1.02-1.11) and train frequency (IRR=1.02, 95% CI=1.01-1.04). An increased number of video surveillance systems at railway stations and carparks was significantly associated with a modest reduction in railway suicide risk (IRR=0.93, 95% CI=0.88-0.98). These associations were independent of concentration of high-risk individuals. LIMITATIONS Railway suicide may be under-reported in Australia. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to prevent railway suicide should target vulnerable individuals residing in areas characterized by high station density, patronage volume and train frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay San Too
- Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyndal Bugeja
- Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison Milner
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stevenson
- Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roderick McClure
- Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Havârneanu GM, Burkhardt JM, Paran F. A systematic review of the literature on safety measures to prevent railway suicides and trespassing accidents. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2015; 81:30-50. [PMID: 25939134 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This review covers a central aspect in railway safety which is the prevention of suicides and trespassing accidents. The paper attempts to answer the following research question: 'What measures are available to reduce railway suicide and trespass, and what is the evidence for their effectiveness?' The review is based on 139 relevant publications, ranging from 1978 to 2014. The analysis aimed to identify the past and current trend in the prevention practice by looking both quantitatively and qualitatively at the recommended measures. According to the results, there has been a constant focus on suicide prevention, and only relatively recent interest in trespass countermeasures. The content analysis revealed 19 main preventative categories which include more than 100 specific measures. We identified 16 common categories against railway suicide and trespass, and 3 categories of specific measures to prevent suicide. There are only 22 studies which provide empirical support for the effectiveness of measures. Actual combinations of measures are barely evaluated, but several challenges emerge from the literature. The discussion focuses on the need for a unified approach to suicide and trespass prevention, and on the importance to consider the effect mechanism of the measures in order to design better interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigore M Havârneanu
- International Union of Railways (UIC), Security division, 16 rue Jean Rey, F-75015 Paris, France.
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Berman AL, Sundararaman R, Price A, Au JS. Suicide on railroad rights-of-way: a psychological autopsy study. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2014; 44:710-22. [PMID: 24946977 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Findings from 55 psychological autopsies of decedents who perished on U.S. railroad rights-of-way between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2010 are reported. Described are distal, proximal, and contextual factors of risk; understandings of why these suicides occurred on railroad rights-of-way; and opportunities for prevention of similar suicides. International comparisons of suicides on railroad rights-of-way are made to highlight distinct findings regarding U.S. cases. Decedents studied exhibited considerable predisposing risk for suicide, with a high prevalence of severe mental disorders and substance abuse. In addition, a number of acute risk factors were commonly observed, notably suicide ideation, hopelessness, anxiety, and anger. In the context of that acute risk, associated situational variables and a relative absence of protective factors are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan L Berman
- American Association of Suicidology, Washington, DC, USA
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