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Factors associated with failed and completed railway suicides
N Erazo1, J J Baumert, K-H Ladwig
1Institute and Policlinic for Psychosomatic Medicine, Psychotherapy and Med. Psychology of the University Hospital of the Technical University of Munich, Langerstrasse 3, 81675 Munich, Germany.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Nearly 10% of railway suicide attempts are non-fatal. Male sex, night-time, and open tracks increase the risk of fatal outcomes in railway suicides.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Railway suicides represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding factors influencing survival is crucial for intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival rate of railway suicide attempts.
- To compare characteristics of survivors versus completers.
- To identify predictors of fatal outcomes in railway suicides.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 5731 railway suicide cases from the German central railway registry (1997-2002).
- Inclusion criteria: ICD-10 definition of suicidal behavior.
- Multivariate logistic regression used to assess impact of sex, age, and environmental factors on case fatality.
Main Results:
- 9.4% of individuals survived railway suicide attempts (fatal to non-fatal ratio 9.6:1).
- Risk factors for fatal outcome included male sex (OR=2.05), night-time (OR=1.80), open track locations (OR=2.95), and main railway lines (OR=2.29).
- No significant interactions were found between factors influencing fatality.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 10% of railway suicide attempts are non-fatal.
- Male sex, specific locations (open track, main lines), and time of day (night) are associated with increased fatality.
- Environmental and demographic factors significantly influence survival rates in railway suicide attempts.