[Intentional drowning as a method of self-inflicted injury and suicide: a 21-year analysis of Galicia]

Drowning and suicide are interconnected complex phenomena and represent significant Public Health issues. The aim of this paper was to identify and describe the characteristics and factors associated with intentional drownings in Galicia (Spain), analyzing a retrospective cohort of twenty-one years.

A descriptive, retrospective, and longitudinal study (2001-2021) was conducted analyzing a cohort of patients aged 0 to 100 years who were treated by Basic and Advanced Life Support (BLS/ALS) units of the FPUS 061 and by hospitals within the Galician Health Service (SERGAS). Records coded with a diagnosis of drowning or near-drowning were included and were recoded as fatal or non-fatal drowning according to international recommendations. Additionally, records containing the terms suicide, self-harm, or suicide attempt in prehospital or hospital documentation were also included.

Ninety-nine cases were documented, representing 9% of all drownings in Galicia and 14% of individuals aged over sixty five who drowned. Eighty-two percent of the victims were residents of the municipality where the incident occurred, and 60% were women. Ninety-nine percent had a prior diagnosis of mental health disorder. Individuals over sixty five accounted for 53% of the cases, with a mortality rate of 50%. The presence of witnesses was associated with lower mortality.

There is a relationship between intentional drownings and mental health disorders. In these events, the presence of witnesses is a protective factor, while advanced age is a risk factor for mortality. Intentional drowning is a complex and understudied health issue, so prevention and Public Health strategies should be implemented to reduce these preventable deaths.