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Female suicides in Diyarbakir, Turkey
Suleyman Goren1, Mehmet Subasi, Yasar Tirasci
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. sgoren@dicle.edu.tr
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 20, 2004
Summary
Female suicide rates in Diyarbakir, Turkey, were higher than males, with most occurring in young women under 20. Family problems were the leading motive for female suicides.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicide rates typically show higher incidence in males globally.
- Understanding regional variations in suicide demographics is crucial for targeted prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate suicide methods and demographics of female suicides in Diyarbakir, Turkey.
- To compare female suicide rates and methods with male rates in the same region.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of postmortem investigation and autopsy reports.
- Data collected from the Council of Forensic Medicine in Diyarbakir Province, Turkey (1996-2001).
Main Results:
- Females constituted 58% of suicides, with higher rates than males (2.6 vs. 1.8 per 10,000).
- Over half of female suicides (56.3%) were under 20; firearms were the method for this age group.
- Hanging was the most common method for adult women (32.2%), while firearms were most common for men (51.7%).
- Family problems were the predominant motive (32%) for female suicides.
Conclusions:
- Diyarbakir, Turkey, exhibits a higher suicide rate in females than males, contrasting with global trends.
- Young females (<20) represent a significant portion of female suicides, with firearms being a common method.
- Family issues are a key identified motive, highlighting a potential area for intervention.