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The reliability of suicide statistics: a systematic review
Ingvild Maria Tøllefsen1, Erlend Hem, Øivind Ekeberg
1Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, PO Box 4956, Nydalen NO-0424 Oslo, Norway. i.m.tollefsen@medisin.uio.no
BMC Psychiatry
|February 16, 2012
Summary
This systematic review highlights a significant lack of studies assessing suicide statistics reliability. Findings indicate widespread under-reporting of suicide data globally, necessitating more comprehensive research.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Reliable suicide statistics are crucial for effective suicide monitoring and prevention strategies.
- Assessing the accuracy of existing suicide data is essential for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the international literature on the reliability of suicide statistics.
- To identify gaps in research regarding the accuracy and completeness of suicide data.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) up to October 2010.
- Studies published in English and several European languages assessing suicide statistics reliability were included.
- Full-text articles were independently screened by three authors, with disagreements resolved by consensus.
Main Results:
- 31 studies published between 1963 and 2009 met the inclusion criteria, with most originating from Europe and North America.
- Study conclusions on reliability varied, with 52% of studies finding over 10% under-reporting and 39% finding over 30% under-reporting.
- A significant limitation identified was the scarcity of nationwide studies and cross-country comparisons.
Conclusions:
- There is a notable deficiency in systematic assessments of suicide statistics reliability globally.
- The available evidence consistently supports the under-reporting of suicide, impacting accurate monitoring and prevention efforts.
- Future research should prioritize nationwide studies and international comparisons to improve the understanding of suicide data accuracy.
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