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Suicide - a statistical analysis by age, sex and method.
J P Henderson1, C Mellin, F Patel
1London South Bank University, Forensic Science Unit, School of Applied Science, Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology, UK. J.P.Henderson@hw.ac.uk
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|September 29, 2005
Summary
This study of 115 suicide cases in London found males are twice as likely to die by suicide. While the 15-44 age group had the most cases, individuals over 75 were most vulnerable per capita.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide is a significant public health concern with varying demographic patterns.
- Previous studies, such as the 1998 UK Home Office report, provide baseline data for comparison.
- Understanding age and gender-specific suicide trends is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patterns in suicide methods, age, and gender in cases from St. Pancras Coroner's Court.
- To compare findings with a national study on suicides in England and Wales.
- To identify demographic vulnerabilities in suicide risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 115 suicide cases.
- Data collection on victim demographics (age, gender) and suicide methods.
- Comparison of findings with the 1998 UK Home Office study, standardized using 2001 census data.
Main Results:
- Suicide rates were approximately twice as high in males compared to females.
- The 15-44 age group represented the largest number of suicide cases for both genders.
- After standardization, the 75 and over age group showed the highest vulnerability per capita for both sexes.
- Results showed good agreement with the 1998 Home Office Study.
Conclusions:
- Suicide demographics exhibit distinct patterns concerning age and gender.
- The elderly population (75+) warrants specific attention for suicide prevention efforts.
- Findings align with national trends, reinforcing the validity of coroner's court data for epidemiological research.