A study on the venues of suicide

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding suicide venues is crucial for prevention strategies.
• Previous research indicates variations in suicide locations based on demographics and methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific venues where suicides occurred.
• To identify factors associated with the choice of suicide locations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 144 autopsy cases (89 males, 55 females) at Madras Medical College.
• Data collection focused on suicide venues and associated factors.

Main Results:

• 33.71% of males and 3.64% of females died by suicide outside their homes.
• Males with mental illness (80%) predominantly chose outdoor locations.
• Insecticide consumption (71.74%) and self-immolation (87.5%) by males occurred mostly indoors, while hanging (53.33%) was also frequently performed indoors.

Conclusions:

• Suicide venue selection is influenced by factors such as mental illness and the chosen method.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering specific locations and methods in suicide prevention efforts.