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Adolescent suicide and suicide attempts: a population study.
K K Christoffel1, D Marcus, S Sagerman
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|March 1, 1988
Summary
This study examined adolescent suicide deaths and attempts in a suburban area. Female suicide attempt rates were higher than males, and attempts peaked around holidays and the school year
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
- Suicidology
Background:
- Adolescent suicide is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of suicide and suicide attempts is crucial for prevention.
- Previous research has not fully captured suburban adolescent suicide trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of adolescent suicide deaths and hospitalized suicide attempts.
- To identify demographic and temporal patterns in adolescent suicide behaviors.
- To compare suburban rates with national and urban data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of adolescent suicides (1978-1982) and suicide attempts (1979-1983).
- Data collected included injury dates, demographics, and personal/social history.
- Analysis of suicide death rates (ICD codes) and suicide attempt rates.
Main Results:
- 11 adolescent suicide deaths (7 male, 10 aged 15-19) and 210 suicide attempts were recorded.
- Mean annual suicide death rate: 10.3/100,000 (15-19 yrs), higher for females than males in this suburb, unlike national trends.
- Suicide attempts (83% ingestion) were more common in females (70%) and peaked near holidays and end of school year.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent suicides represented a high proportion of all adolescent deaths in the study area.
- Suburban female suicide rates were notably higher than national averages.
- Lack of detailed medical records hindered in-depth analysis of contributing factors to suicide attempts.