Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Suicide by drowning in the bath.

M P Nowers1

  • 1Psychiatry of Old Age Clinical Research Unit, Frenchay Healthcare NHS Trust, Cossham Hospital, Kingswood, Bristol.

Medicine, Science, and the Law
|December 3, 1999
PubMed
Summary

This study examined 14 bath drowning suicides in Bristol (1974-1996), finding victims were older, often married, and drowned at home. Prevention strategies are discussed.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Alcohol problems in the elderly: a survey of psychogeriatric admissions.

International journal of geriatric psychiatryยท2001
See all related articles

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Suicide by drowning in domestic settings, specifically bathtubs, represents a distinct method of self-harm.
  • Understanding the demographic and situational factors associated with bathtub suicides is crucial for targeted prevention efforts.

Observation:

  • A retrospective review of 14 cases of suicide by drowning in the bath in the Bristol area between 1974 and 1996.
  • The study population comprised six males and eight females with a mean age of 66 years.
  • Most individuals drowned at home, fully clothed, and in a face-down position.

Findings:

  • The majority of individuals were married and lived with a spouse or relative.
  • Six cases involved concomitant alcohol or substance use.
  • Seven cases had a documented history of psychiatric illness and/or previous deliberate self-harm.

Implications:

  • Findings highlight the need for tailored suicide prevention strategies addressing vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and those with a history of self-harm or substance use.
  • The study underscores the importance of considering the domestic environment in suicide risk assessments and interventions.
  • Further research into the specific circumstances and motivations behind bathtub suicides may inform more effective prevention measures.

Related Experiment Videos