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Firearm suicides in Sweden
1Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Forensic Medicine, Umeå University, PO Box 7616, SE-907 12, Umeå, Sweden.
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|August 8, 2022
Summary
Firearm suicides in Sweden correlate with firearm ownership rates. Prevention strategies should target firearm owners and consider local factors for at-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Forensic Medicine
- Criminology
Background:
- Firearm deaths pose a challenge in restrictive legal settings, with suicides being the most common cause of firearm-related mortality in Sweden.
- Approximately 100 firearm suicides occur annually in Sweden, highlighting the need to understand contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between firearm suicides and firearm availability, legality of possession, and demographic/geographic factors in Sweden.
- To inform prevention strategies by analyzing data on firearm suicides.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive study of all adult firearm suicides in Sweden between 2016-2017.
- Data collection from the National Board of Forensic Medicine and the Swedish Police.
Main Results:
- 221 firearm suicides were identified; victims were predominantly male (99%) and older adults (49% aged ≥65).
- Higher firearm suicide rates were positively correlated with firearm ownership rates across Swedish counties.
- While legal, long-barreled firearms were most common, illegal firearms were prevalent among younger victims and in urban settings.
Conclusions:
- Firearm suicide prevention requires tailored strategies focusing on firearm owners at risk.
- Local health, healthcare, geographic, and demographic factors are crucial for developing effective prevention initiatives.
