Epidemiology of suicide in 10-19 years old in southern Iran, 2011-2016: A population-based study on 6720 cases

Globally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. Although completed suicide is rare before puberty, the incidence of adolescent suicide has increased significantly at the late ages of 10-19. Hence, this study investigates the adolescent suicide, aged 10-19, in southern Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, all data regarding the demographics, causes, methods, outcomes, past medical history of suicide attempts and suicide death were collected from the Mental Health and Suicide Surveillance Systems of Fars province between 2011 and 2016.

Overall 6-year incidence rate of suicide attempts and death were 193.49/100,000 and 7.91/100,000, respectively. Case-fatality rate was 4.09%. During the period of 6 years, an increasing trend has been observed for both the rates of suicide attempt and death. Family conflicts were the major cause and medication overdose was the main method of suicides. After controlling the effects of confounders by logistic regression, male gender, living in the rural area and age are among the risk factors of fatality in suicide attempts.

Suicide attempts and deaths have been increased in adolescents. Therefore, due to the vulnerability of this age group, we need to understand all components of suicide to educate families and to help policy makers.