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The task of preventing suicide in older adults is an important social burden as older adults aged above 65 are exposed to singular psychological aspects that increase suicide risks. Moreover, when an older adult corpse is found, the medico-legal inspection represents a fundamental tool to identify the exact cause of death, classifying or excluding it as suicide. In this scenario, this review aims to explore the neurobiological factors that could be related to suicidal behavior in older adults. A further goal of this review is the exploration of the medico-legal aspects surrounding older adult suicides, clarifying the importance of forensic investigation. Particularly, this review examines issues such as neurotransmitter imbalances, cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, psychosocial factors related to geriatric suicide, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, medico-legal aspects such as policy considerations, legal frameworks, mental health assessments, ethical implications and forensic investigation were explored. Considering the importance of this phenomenon, especially in western countries, a need has emerged for focused screening tools on suicidal behavior among older adults, in order to contain it. Therefore, this review makes an exhaustive appraisal of the literature giving insights into the delicate interplay between neurobiology as well as mental health in relation to older adult suicide within a medico-legal context. The comprehension of different aspects about this complex phenomenon is fundamental to propose new and more effective interventions, supporting tailored initiatives such as family support and improving healthcare, specifically towards vulnerable ageing societies to reduce older adult suicide risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Globally, Mexico is one of six countries with the highest level of firearm mortality. While previous studies have examined firearm mortality in Mexico before 2015, increases in violence since then highlight the need for an updated analysis. In this study, we examined changes in firearm-related deaths in Mexico from 2015 to 2022 and described these deaths by key demographic groups, incident location, and state of occurrence. Data came from Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Geografia (INEGI), a federal agency that collects and reports national population data. We used descriptive statistics to analyze rates, proportions, and percentage changes in firearm mortality, and we displayed temporal trends using time plots and special trends using maps. Results Firearm deaths increased in Mexico from 2015 to 2018 but slightly decreased from 2018 to 2022. Homicides presented the highest increase and the highest proportion of firearm-related deaths from 2015 to 2022. Victims were primarily males but rates among women increased at a higher proportion (99.5% vs 53.5%). One third of victims were 20–29y but rates among children and adolescents (10–9y) increased at a higher proportion. Most firearm-related deaths occurred in streets or public spaces but the percentage of incidents occurring in households have increased. State-level rates and percentage changes varied significantly. States with higher rates of firearm mortality coincide with those involving conflict among organized criminal organizations. Conclusion Firearm mortality in Mexico is a major public health burden. The epidemiology of firearm-related deaths in Mexico varies by intent, demographics, location, and states. To mitigate this challenge, multiple solutions are required.

Background: Globally, Mexico is one of six countries with the highest level of firearm mortality. While previous studies have examined firearm mortality in Mexico before 2015, increases in violence since then highlight the need for an updated analysis. In this study, we examined changes in firearm-related deaths in Mexico from 2015 to 2022 and described these deaths by key demographic groups, incident location, and state of occurrence. Data came from Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Geografia (INEGI), a federal agency that collects and reports national population data. We used descriptive statistics to analyze rates, proportions, and percentage changes in firearm mortality, and we displayed temporal trends using time plots and special trends using maps. Results: Firearm deaths increased in Mexico from 2015 to 2018 but slightly decreased from 2018 to 2022. Homicides presented the highest increase and the highest proportion of firearm-related deaths from 2015 to 2022. Victims were primarily males but rates among women increased at a higher proportion (99.5% vs 53.5%). One third of victims were 20–29y but rates among children and adolescents (10–9y) increased at a higher proportion. Most firearm-related deaths occurred in streets or public spaces but the percentage of incidents occurring in households have increased. State-level rates and percentage changes varied significantly. States with higher rates of firearm mortality coincide with those involving conflict among organized criminal organizations. Conclusion: Firearm mortality in Mexico is a major public health burden. The epidemiology of firearm-related deaths in Mexico varies by intent, demographics, location, and states. To mitigate this challenge, multiple solutions are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, firearm‐related injuries became the leading cause of death in American children. Ensuring the safe storage of household firearms is one way to reduce those deaths. Since the 1990s, states have sought to accomplish that goal through child access prevention (CAP) laws, which sanction gun owners for unsafe firearm storage. However, recent survey data suggests that these laws are not effective, as they suffer from low compliance. To compensate for these shortcomings, legislators should repeal CAP laws and devise legislation requiring gun owners residing with children to retrofit their household firearms with smart gun technology. Key points for the family law community: 4368 American children were killed by firearm‐related injuries in 2020.Only 19.9% of the firearms used in youth suicides and unintentional injuries were properly stored.4.6 million American children live in homes where at least one firearm is loaded and not locked away.The firearm industry is exempt from federal agency oversight and is largely shielded from tort liability.Child access prevention laws have had a negligible effect on firearm storage practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An adolescent is defined as an individual aged between 11-19 years. They constitute about 21% of the Indian population. Mortality and morbidity occurring in this age group are mostly due to preventable causes. Mortalities in adolescents are cause of concern because they are the future of nation forming a major demographic and economic force. The purpose of this study is to analysis mortality in adolescents. Methods: The present study is a hospital based, cross sectional and observational study of autopsy reports, police inquest forms, medico-legal case register of medico-legal deaths of adolescent age group victims of ages from 11 to 19 yrs. for a period of three years from January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2022 autopsied at department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology and in patient case records from Medical Record Department. The cases were evaluated according to age, sex, the cause and manner of death and findings of toxicological analysis. Data was classified and statistically analyzed. Conclusion: The majority of adolescent deaths were found to be related to external causes, in particular unintentional injuries. The accidental deaths accounts for 75.75% followed suicidal deaths (21.21%). Use of appropriate safety measures and strict law enforcement may significantly reduce accidental deaths in adolescents. Suicides may be prevented by identification of risk factors significant family support and counselling by child psychologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual minorities, comprising of individuals with non-heterosexual orientation or non-binary gender identities, are being increasingly recognized as populations with distinct needs throughout the world. These communities face several psychological and socio-political challenges, making them vulnerable to mental health conditions, including suicides. Research indicates a higher risk of suicidal deaths and attempts in sexual minorities as compared to the general population. However, this remains an under-researched topic in South Asia where social integration and minority rights are still in their nascent stages. This narrative review aims to understand the various issues related to suicides among sexual minority communities of South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The task of preventing suicide in older adults is an important social burden as older adults aged above 65 are exposed to singular psychological aspects that increase suicide risks. Moreover, when an older adult corpse is found, the medico-legal inspection represents a fundamental tool to identify the exact cause of death, classifying or excluding it as suicide. In this scenario, this review aims to explore the neurobiological factors that could be related to suicidal behavior in older adults. A further goal of this review is the exploration of the medico-legal aspects surrounding older adult suicides, clarifying the importance of forensic investigation. Particularly, this review examines issues such as neurotransmitter imbalances, cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, psychosocial factors related to geriatric suicide, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, medico-legal aspects such as policy considerations, legal frameworks, mental health assessments, ethical implications and forensic investigation were explored. Considering the importance of this phenomenon, especially in western countries, a need has emerged for focused screening tools on suicidal behavior among older adults, in order to contain it. Therefore, this review makes an exhaustive appraisal of the literature giving insights into the delicate interplay between neurobiology as well as mental health in relation to older adult suicide within a medico-legal context. The comprehension of different aspects about this complex phenomenon is fundamental to propose new and more effective interventions, supporting tailored initiatives such as family support and improving healthcare, specifically towards vulnerable ageing societies to reduce older adult suicide risks.

The condition of the italian prisons is tragic and worrying, despite, during the pandemic period, the situation was little better. Statistic data show which are the worst problems of the italian places of detention: overcrowding, excessive use (rectius abuse) of the pre-trial detention, criminalisation of the weaker people, very high and dramatic number of suicides. The inmates are forced to live in a idleness condition rather than in the prospects of social reintegration. To rethink execution in the sense of humanising and resocialising punishment a strong political will is needed, even if, today, it’s hard to imagine. Maybe, a feeble hope can be seen in the aims pursued by the Cartabia reform. For now, however, the prison continues to be a non-place.

Introduction. The article analyzes the psychological state of the modern Yakut society as a part of the Russian society using a composite index. The possibilities of composite indices developed within the framework of macropsychology have not been fully disclosed to date. Theoretical analysis. The paper proposes to consider the composite index of the psychological state of society from the point of view of a systematic approach. The basis for this is the understanding of individual subjects as a part of the Russian macro-community. The analysis is based on data from 93 subjects of the Russian Federation according to official statistical data. Empirical analysis. The results show that the dynamics of indicators of Russian society as a whole is more stable in comparison with the dynamics of indicators of Yakut society. The primary indexes of modern Yakut society have their own unique explanation, which does not coincide with generally accepted interpretations. Conclusion. When interpreting the value of the composite index, it is necessary to take into account both the actual external factors affecting it and its conditionality with traditional culture and living conditions. It is revealed that the composite index of the macro-community as an index of a higher level has a great generalizing potential.

Background: Suicide is a serious public health problem in the United States, but limited evidence is available investigating fatal suicides at work. There is a substantial need to characterize workplace suicides to inform suicide prevention interventions and target high‐risk settings. This study aims to examine workplace suicide rates in North Carolina (NC) by worker characteristics, means of suicide used, and industry between 1992 and 2017. Methods: Fatal workplace suicides were identified from records of the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner system and the NC death certificate. Sex, age, race, ethnicity, class of worker, manner of death, and industry were abstracted. Crude and age‐standardized homicide rates were calculated as the number of suicides that occurred at work divided by an estimate of worker‐years (w‐y). Rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and trends over calendar time for fatal workplace suicides were examined overall and by industry. Results: 81 suicides over 109,464,430 w‐y were observed. Increased rates were observed in workers who were male, self‐employed, and 65+ years old. Firearms were the most common means of death (63%) followed by hanging (16%). Gas service station workers experienced the highest fatal occupational suicide rate, 11.5 times (95% CI: 3.62–36.33) the overall fatal workplace suicide rate, followed by Justice, Public Order, and Safety workers at 3.23 times the overall rate (95% CI: 1.31–7.97). Conclusion: Our findings identify industries and worker demographics that were vulnerable to workplace suicides. Targeted and tailored mitigation strategies for vulnerable industries and workers are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. Journalistic reporting guidelines were created to curb the impact of unsafe reporting; however, how suicide is framed in news reports may differ by important characteristics such as the circumstances and the decedent's gender. Objective: This study aimed to examine the degree to which news media reports of suicides are framed using stigmatized or glorified language and differences in such framing by gender and circumstance of suicide. Methods: We analyzed 200 news articles regarding suicides and applied the validated Stigma of Suicide Scale to identify stigmatized and glorified language. We assessed linguistic similarity with 2 widely used metrics, cosine similarity and mutual information scores, using a machine learning--based large language model. Results: News reports of male suicides were framed more similarly to stigmatizing (P<.001) and glorifying (P=.005) language than reports of female suicides. Considering the circumstances of suicide, mutual information scores indicated that differences in the use of stigmatizing or glorifying language by gender were most pronounced for articles attributing legal (0.155), relationship (0.268), or mental health problems (0.251) as the cause. Conclusions: Linguistic differences, by gender, in stigmatizing or glorifying language when reporting suicide may exacerbate suicide disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research based on Swedish data suggests that collective optimism, as measured by monthly incidence of suicides, correlates inversely with selection in utero against male twins in a population. We test this finding in the US, which reports the highest suicide rate of all high-income countries, and examine whether monthly changes in overall suicides precede changes in the ratio of male twin to male singleton live births. Consistent with prior work, we also examine as a key independent variable, suicides among women aged 15−49 years. We retrieved monthly data on suicides and the ratio of male twin to singleton live births from CDC WONDER, 2003 to 2019, and applied Box-Jenkins iterative time-series routines to detect and remove autocorrelation from both series. Results indicate that a 1% increase in monthly change in overall suicides precedes a 0.005 unit decline in male twin live births ratio 6 months later (coefficient = −.005, p value =.004). Results remain robust to use of suicides among reproductive-aged women as the independent variable (coefficient = −.0012, p value =.014). Our study lends external validity to prior research and supports the notion that a decline in collective optimism corresponds with greater selection in utero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper reviews the ongoing failure of hybrid transgenic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton unique to India. The underlying cause for this failure is the high cost of hybrid seed that imposes a suboptimal long-season low plant density system that limits yield potential and has associated elevated levels of late-season pests. Indian hybrid Bt cotton production is further complicated by the development of resistance to Bt toxins in the key pest, the native pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders, PBW), resulting in increased insecticide use that induces ecological disruption and outbreaks of highly destructive secondary pests. Rainfed cotton production uncertainty is further exacerbated by the variable monsoon rains. While hybrid cotton produces fertile seed, the resulting plant phenotypes are highly variable preventing farmers from replanting saved seed, forcing them to buy seed yearly (i.e., market capture), and effectively protecting industry Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). The lessons gained from the ongoing market failure of hybrid Bt cotton in India are of utmost importance to its proposed introduction to Africa where, similar to India, cotton is grown mainly in poor rainfed smallholder family farms, and hence similar private–corporate conflicts of interest will occur. Holistic field agroecological studies and weather-driven mechanistic analyses are suggested to help foresee ecological and economic challenges in cotton production in Africa. High-density short-season (HD-SS) non-hybrid non-genetically modified irrigated and rainfed cottons are viable alternatives for India that can potentially produce double the yields of the current low-density hybrid system.

This paper reviews the ongoing failure of hybrid transgenic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton unique to India. The underlying cause for this failure is the high cost of hybrid seed that imposes a suboptimal long-season low plant density system that limits yield potential and has associated elevated levels of late-season pests. Indian hybrid Bt cotton production is further complicated by the development of resistance to Bt toxins in the key pest, the native pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders, PBW), resulting in increased insecticide use that induces ecological disruption and outbreaks of highly destructive secondary pests. Rainfed cotton production uncertainty is further exacerbated by the variable monsoon rains. While hybrid cotton produces fertile seed, the resulting plant phenotypes are highly variable preventing farmers from replanting saved seed, forcing them to buy seed yearly (i.e., market capture), and effectively protecting industry Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). The lessons gained from the ongoing market failure of hybrid Bt cotton in India are of utmost importance to its proposed introduction to Africa where, similar to India, cotton is grown mainly in poor rainfed smallholder family farms, and hence similar private–corporate conflicts of interest will occur. Holistic field agroecological studies and weather-driven mechanistic analyses are suggested to help foresee ecological and economic challenges in cotton production in Africa. High-density short-season (HD-SS) non-hybrid non-genetically modified irrigated and rainfed cottons are viable alternatives for India that can potentially produce double the yields of the current low-density hybrid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization State Emergency Department (ED) Databases and State Inpatient Databases for all individuals who were 2 years of age or older with at least one ED visit from 2011 to 2016 in New York to estimate the association between suicide and non-fatal injury-related ED visits and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study included 14.4 million individuals with 43.5 million ED visits. Of those, 31,946 (0.2%) individuals had ASD accounting for 162,440 ED visits (0.4%). Compared to those without ASD, individuals with ASD had 2.1 more ED visits on average, higher shares of inpatient ED visits, more years of ED utilization, and higher prevalence of mental health-related comorbidities and diagnoses and self-injury-related ED visits. Among the ASD cohort, 6.1% had at least one self-injury-related ED visit compared to 2.2% among those without ASD. Using multivariable regressions adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, contextual, and visit-level characteristics, we found that individuals with ASD were significantly more likely to have at least one self-injury-related ED visit compared to those without ASD. Our findings highlight the importance of raising awareness among caregivers and providers about the increased self-injury risk that individuals with ASD face and to tailor care delivery practices towards their needs. This study used data for 14.4 million individuals with 43.5 million emergency department visits from all hospitals in the state of New York to explore the association between suicide and non-fatal self-injury-related (self-injury) emergency department visits and autism spectrum disorder. Overall, we found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder had more emergency department visits and admissions through the emergency department, more years of emergency department utilization, and higher prevalence of mental health-related comorbidities. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder were also significantly more likely to have at least one self-injury-related emergency department visit compared to those without autism spectrum disorder. These results emphasize the need to raise awareness across both family caregivers and healthcare providers on the increased suicide and self-injury risks that individuals with autism spectrum disorder face and to improve care delivery practices. In addition, effort to promote and increase timely access to mental health care is an urgent priority for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from 25 EU countries spanning the period 1999–2017, this paper examines the relationship between working‐age suicides and changes in long‐term unemployment and tests for mitigating effects through the implementation of labor‐market policies. The estimates suggest higher suicide risks following a rising rate of long‐term unemployment. Passive support policies have a suicide‐decreasing impact. Among active policies, a significant suicide‐decreasing effect is found for training and direct job creation. The results have important policy implications in that they suggest that strong commitment of governments to passive or to certain types of active labor‐market policies can, on average, contribute to social stability and the welfare of populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an unbalanced data set covering the years from 1990 to 2017, this study examines the long-run relationship between three selected macroeconomic variables (unemployment, per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation) and suicide rates for Turkic-speaking countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). The mean group estimation results suggest that among the three macroeconomic variables under study, only the unemployment rate has a statistically significant relationship with the suicide rate for the Central Asian Turkic-speaking countries. Regarding country-specific estimations, results suggest that all macroeconomic variables under study correlate with the suicide rate for some countries in the sample. Overall, the empirical findings of the study suggest that unemployment and per capita GDP are important contributors of suicide and intentional self-harm in Central Asia. Estimation results also call attention to the inflation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Suicide is a significant cause of death worldwide. Various purposes can explain why people choose to attempt or commit suicide such as mental-health disorders, income-related-factors, quality of life or issues related to social context. This study aims to identify an updated association between 'isolation' and suicides. Methods In this regard, we had made a systematic review of the most recent papers, published from January 2016 to March 2022, thought the most acknowledged databases. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. To the best of our knowledge, this issue is very important due to the indirect relationship between COVID-19 and suicides. Results Our analysis demonstrates that suicide and -social isolation and loneliness- have a positive and direct relationship although these findings varied slightly by areas. Moreover, most of the attention is focused on the youth during the most recent period and this is a real problem because economies cannot afford losing (young) population. Conclusions In order to prevent suicides, public policies should prevent suicidal thoughts that it could induce to terminate the lives of individuals in their most productive years and harmful outcomes to their families and friends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book by the Associate Professor of the Center for Political Studies of the Institute of Social Sciences of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi, India) Sudhir Kumar Sutar Dilapidation of the Rural: Development, Politics and Farmer Suicides in India (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022). The book considers the problems which the Indian peasants face under the state-driven transition from traditional rural community to agrarian capitalism. The book combines philosophical, sociological and political analysis of the causes and factors of the high number of suicides among medium-sized and small Indian farmers in recent decades. Suicides are the most striking manifestation of the social consequences of the capitalist development in the traditional communal peasant village. Among other consequences, the author considers rural social differentiation, growth of individualism and disunity, destruction of community institutions of support and social control, political protests up to riots, alcoholism, drug addiction, and rising crime rate. Thus, the inevitable economic reforms require compensatory measures of social policy.

Summary: Background: Suicide prevention requires a shift from relying on an at-risk individual to engage with the healthcare system. Understanding patterns of healthcare engagement by people who have died by suicide may provide alternative directions for suicide prevention. Methods: This is a population-based case-series study of all suicide decedents (n = 3895) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia (2013–2019), with linked coronial, health services and medicine dispensing data. Healthcare trajectories were identified using a k-means longitudinal 3d analysis, based on the number and type of healthcare contacts in the year before death. Characteristics of each trajectory were described. Findings: Five trajectories of healthcare utilisation were identified: (A) none or low (n = 2598, 66.7%), (B) moderate, predominantly for physical health (n = 601, 15.4%), (C) moderate, with high mental health medicine use (n = 397, 10.2%), (D) high, predominantly for physical health (n = 206, 5.3%) and E) high, predominantly for mental health (n = 93, 2.4%). Given that most decedents belonged to Trajectory A this suggests a great need for suicide preventive interventions delivered in the community, workplace, schools or online. Trajectories B and D might benefit from opioid dispensing limits and access to psychological pain management. Trajectory C had high mental health medicine use, indicating that the time that medicines are prescribed or dispensed are important touchpoints. Trajectory E had high mental health service predominantly delivered by psychiatrists and community mental health, but limited psychologist use. Interpretation: Although most suicide decedents made at least one healthcare contact in the year before death, contact frequency was overall very low. Given the characteristics of this group, useful access points for such intervention could be delivered through schools and workplaces, with a focus on alcohol and drug intervention alongide suicide awareness. Funding: Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council.

Suicides are one of the topics discussed around the world. This problem receives large space in scientific and professional literature, in order to eliminate its occurrence. Mechanisms of suicides are determined by whole spectrum of reasons determined by/depending on physical and psychological health. The objective of this work is to document the differences in mechanisms and realization of suicides by mentally sick people. Ten cases of suicides are reported in the article: three of which in people with a history of depression of the victim noted by family members, one with treated depression, three with anxiety-depressive disorder and three schizophrenic patients cases. There are five men and five women. Four of these women overdosed themselves by medicaments and one jumped out of a window. Two men shot themselves, two hanged themselves and one jumped out of a window. Persons without anamnestically proven psychiatric diseases end their lives mostly because of inconclusive situation or as a result of balancing their whole life (usually with good plan and preparation of the act). Persons with treatment of depression or anxiety-depressive disorder kill themselves mostly after several "unsuccessful" attempts. In case of victims with schizophrenia suicides follow a hardly predictable sequence of actions which sometimes do not seem to have any logic. Differences have been found between victims with and without mental disorders in ways of realization of suicides. Psychological predispositions in mood changes, long-term sadness and threatening suicide should be recognized by family members. Prevention of suicides in cases of people with a history of mental disorders is based on medical treatment and cooperation between the client and family members and a psychiatrist [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unnatural death means a death caused by external causes e.g., injury or poisoning which includes death due to intentional injury, such as homicide or suicide, and death caused by unintentional injury in an accidental manner. The tragedy of suicide in adolescents is a global phenomenon that deserves the attention of the world's pediatricians. An estimated 2 million people die each year as a result of suicide. In 2002, there were an estimated 877,000 suicides in the world, of which approximately 200,000 were adolescents and young adults. Aims and Objectives: To know the type, incidence, and sexwise distribution of intentional deaths of adolescents in the age group of 10 to 19 years. Material Methods: The present study is a descriptive study of intentional unnatural death cases of Adolescents (10 to 19 years) which were autopsied at BMC & RI, Bengaluru for a period of 18 months from December 2014 to May 2016 Results: In this study of 399 deaths among adolescents, 251 cases (62.90%) were due to intentional injuries and 148 cases (37.10%) were due to unintentional injuries. Among intentional deaths 4 cases (1.60%) were homicidal and 247 cases (98.40%) were suicidal in nature. In the case of homicide, all were male victims, while in suicide cases. Hanging was the most preferred method to commit suicide with 114 cases (46.15%), followed by burns in 79 cases (31.98%), poisoning in 45 cases (18.21%), drowning in 4 cases (1.61%), railway injury in 3 cases (1.21%) and 2 cases (0.80%) of fall from height. Conclusion: Accurate information on the causes and circumstances of intentional adolescent deaths through a process of medico-legal investigations is essential in creating awareness among National policymakers and educators/caregivers, to prevent adolescent deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 disease has given rise to various negative effects on human life in terms of health and economic and social well-being. We believe that these negative effects may have led to increased forensic incidents such as violence and suicide. Therefore, in this study, we sought to examine the effects of COVID-19 in forensic cases admitted to an emergency department. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study, performed at the emergency department of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital. Forensic cases admitted between March and June 2020 (pandemic period) and forensic cases admitted between March and June 2019 (pre-pandemic period) were compared in the study. Results: A total of 4296 patients were included in the study, of which 3011 were admitted during the pre-pandemic period and 1285 during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the percentages of suicide attempts (3.6%), motorcycle traffic accidents (7.4%), and violent incidents (29.4%) were higher during the pandemic period, the percentages of in-vehicle traffic accidents (5.4%) and pedestrian traffic accidents (2.2%) were lower (respectively, p = 0.035, p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.008). At the time of the pandemic, the percentages of incidents of violence against women (44.2%) and traffic accidents with a motorcycle involving men (9.3%) were higher than during the time before the pandemic (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The effects of the pandemic on our lifestyle are indisputable. This study reveals that the pandemic also affected patients who were admitted to the emergency department for forensic reasons. In addition, the increase in the percentages of suicide and violent events indicates that pandemics probably increase feelings of fear, loss, and hopelessness, and special precautions should be taken to maintain order in the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The impact of digital gaming on human health, both mental and physical, can be both positive and negative. However, excessive gaming can lead to gaming disorders, which are a cause for concern. With the pandemic, online classes became more common, leading to an increase in gaming-related disorders and even suicides. While the combination of education and fun in online gaming can be beneficial, it can also be a risk for gaming disorders and suicide. This study aimed to explore this paradox and provide safety measures to prevent gaming disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative research methodology with exploratory and discourse analysis was used in the study. Several real-life incidents related to the research were gathered from newspaper research articles, media, and existing theses. The researchers used textual interpretation in secondary sources to identify the paradox of digital games and vulnerabilities. RESULTS: This research article focuses on the various benefits and harmful effects of digital games on individuals’ mental and physical health. The research findings were presented based on true events that occurred in and around India. The results of the current study specified that gaming disorders were pushing individuals toward mental disorders and suicide. It is crucial to implement preventive measures to address this issue. CONCLUSION: According to the study, people who suffer from excessive gaming disorders may experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, which can have negative effects on society. To address this issue, it is helpful to monitor and control individuals’ digital game usage and provide informative sessions on how to use digital games properly. While it may not be possible to completely ban the use of digital games, certain restrictions can be put in place. Educating individuals on both the benefits and drawbacks of digital gaming and the rapid technological advancements is essential. Through proper education, it is possible to reduce the number of suicides among gamers and individuals.

Abstract Background Every year, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide, one of the most common reasons for youth death. While many studies have revealed two main factors for suicidal behavior: impulsive suicidal behavior due to mental illness and financial stress, it is not clear what happens if individuals face deterioration of mental health and economic recession. This paper attempts to answer this question and how suicide rates are correlated with these factors. Methods We empirically investigate whether economic recessions and air pollution trigger suicides by examining Japan, a country with one of the highest suicide rates, from 2014 to 2021. We take advantage of the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic and the periods before the pandemic, when both economic recessions and reductions in air pollution occurred simultaneously. Using monthly and municipal- level data, we construct a triple difference model that takes air pollution and unemployment as treatments. Results Our findings show that high (upper half of each period) levels of air pollution and unemployment have substantial impacts on the suicide rates of adults (22.9% in the short term) and children (42.7% in the short term, 36.0% in the long term), indicating that the increase in suicide rates among children is almost twice as high as that among adults. Our study finds that unemployment and air pollution alone are not associated with increased suicide rates but their simultaneous occurrence triggers suicides during the pandemic. Conclusions Our study urges suicide prevention, particularly among children, as an essential consideration for public health. Furthermore, our results indicate the need for the government to allocate resources to recover air quality and the economy simultaneously during a recession to reduce suicide mortality of both child and adults.

Causes of suicide are complex indicating a nation's psycho-socio-economic well-being hence this population-based study explores whether USA suicides worsened compared to nineteen Other Western Countries (OWC) being possibly related to gun ownership in the 21st Century. Total suicide data are drawn from the latest WHO Age-Standardised-Death-Rates per million (pm) controlled for age, sex, and population, along with suicides in the five age- bands 15–34 years to 75 + years. National gun ownership data from the international Small Arms Survey. Chi-square tests any significant difference between American and OWC suicides during the century. Spearman Rank Order correlations are used to determine comparability of suicides and gun ownership per thousand person rates over the period 2000–15. USA had the highest gun ownership, treble the rate of the next highest country. American Total suicides rose 27%, significantly more than eight other countries (p < 0.05). The USA had significantly worse suicide outcomes for Older (75+) people than three OWC; eleven for Mature Adults 55–74; eight for Adults 34–54 and for ten countries for Young Adults 15–34. Young Adult suicides numbered 12,438, 6,702 gun-related in 2015, exceeding recent USA military losses. Only Young Adult suicides positively correlated with gun ownership (<0.025). The key finding is whilst most countries reduced suicides American rates rose substantially this century, raising questions about US society. Importantly the easy access to firearms in the USA makes Young Adult suicide more likely when facing psycho-social stress. This study exposes the vulnerability of distressed young American adults in a permissive gun culture, with its sequel, life-long grieving parents. During 21st Century USA suicides rose substantially more than other Western nations. Only USA suicides rose >20% amongst Total suicides and in those aged 15-to-74years. USA Young Adult suicides 150,099 in 21st century, 12,438 in 2015, 6,702 were gun-related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify seasonal and temporal variations in daily incidence of homicides and suicides in Cali and Manizales, Colombia during 2008–2015. An ecological time series study was performed using negative binomial regression models for daily incidence of homicides and suicides; analyses were controlled for yearly trends and temporal autocorrelations. Saturdays, Sundays, December holidays as well as New Year and New Year's Eve were associated with an increased risk of homicides in both cities. Suicide risk increased during December holidays and New Year in both cities. In addition, the suicide risk increased on paydays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays in Cali, and it decreased during the Holy Week holidays in Manizales. December patterns of suicides and homicides are the opposite in each city, and between cities. The incidences of homicides and suicides are not homogeneous over time. These patterns can be explained partially by alcohol consumption and changes in people's routine activities which may modify exposure to violent circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction and aim. The purpose of the article is to analyze the peculiarities of suicidal behavior as a result of maladjustment of servicemen to the conditions of military service in Ukraine. The tasks of the article are to identify among militaries: 1) the most significant risk factors for autoregressive and suicidal behavior; 2) the psychological peculiarities of adaptive disorders that may lead to suicide; 3) protective factors against autoregressive and suicidal behavior. Material and methods. To solve the problem of our research, a set of methods was used: theoretical methods -- theoretical and methodological analysis of scientific sources, their systematization, classification, generalization; empirical methods -- the observation, the interview, a questionnaire, testing, the method of expert assessments. In general 420 militaries were participated in our research. The participants of the 1st stage of the study were 240 militaries in the age 18-25 years old with suicidal and auto-aggressive behavior in anamnesis and one or more attempts of suicide. These militaries were treated in the psychiatric hospital No 1 in Kyiv (Ukraine). At the 2nd stage of the study 180 militaries were participated. They were treated in the Main Military Clinical Hospital (the Center), Kyiv, Ukraine. The research was organized during May--November, 2021. Results. We investigated that 120 militaries had various forms of post-suicidal encephalopathy, such as acute affective, non-psychotic state. The number of patients with residual psychoorganic pathology was 41 people (34.16%); after poisoning there were 37 people, the number of patients with toxic encephalopathy -- 33 people (27.5%); after self-arson -- 9 people, there were 4 patients (3.33%) with burn encephalopathy. We identified the following clinical variants of depressive reactions as a result of maladjustment and suicidal attempts: 1) the reaction of disadaptation in combination with neurosis-like disorders (48.9%); 2) the reaction of maladjustment including hypochondriacal inclusions (in 23.4% of cases of respondents); 3) maladaptive reactions with an anxious component were observed in 28.6% of cases. Conclusion. It was shown that the suicidal behavior of soldiers depended on many external and internal risk factors. We showed protective factors against autoregressive and suicidal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The practice of paying dowry is becoming more commonplace in India. Dowry is within the very culture of India, which is one of the contributing factors that plays a role in the country's high rate of female suicides. Material and Methods: Observational and prospective study of 42 cases of purported dowry-related deaths, with the goal of determining the socio-demographic profile of cases of alleged dowry-related fatalities. Results: Dowry and domestic violence are key provoking factors in most suicides within the first seven years of marriage. The victim's inability to provide the requirements in the form of dowry for her family sparked the murderer's unreasonable wrath. Domestic abuse and dowry are crucial causes in most killings after seven years of marriage. Unemployment, love, relationships, and economic issues are insignificant causes compared to dowry. Conclusion: Abuse within the home and the pressure to provide a dowry were two of the primary contributing factors that led to deaths that were associated with dowries. Dowries were traditionally given to the bride's family by her father. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to particulate matter is an important risk factor for mental health disturbances and overall mortality. However, the knowledge on relationship between long-term particulate matter level and suicide rate is limited and requires in-depth study. Population and air pollution data were obtained from the Polish Central Statistics Office and Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection for the period 2014–2015. Aspatial multivariate and one factor regression analysis were performed and followed by spatial global regression analysis for district reference units in geographic information system (GIS). At the district level of aggregation, data showed spatial stationarity. The best-fitting spatial global model was based on number of disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances, number of people treated in psychiatric hospitals, population density, unemployment rate and per capita income. Global spatial model with PM2.5 level parameter was an improvement over the one without it (adj. R2 = 0.87 compared to adj. R2 = 0.83). There is a positive relationship between particular matter concentrations and suicides in Poland. Application of Geographic Information Science analytical functions in medicine can be viewed as a new efficient methodological approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studied correlation between suicide risks and chemical components of particulate matter in Thailand. It employed satellite data on atmospheric particulate matter. Analysis for correlation between data on chemical components of particulate matter—a type of accumulated pollution in Thailand from 2010 to 2017—and suicidal incidents in 2018. The methodologies consisted of Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model and the Poisson log-linear model, which referred to the NASA database; aerosol diagnostics model, Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2); and database from the Bureau of Policy and Strategy Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. A total of 4,756 patients selected for this study accounted for annual suicide rate of 7.16 per 100,000 population. Suicides in Thailand are related to chemical components of particulate matter. This research thus found that every 1 μg/m 3 increase of dust- PM2.5, only PM2.5 was related to the risks of suicide (which increased for approximately 63.5 %). Black carbon, Organic carbon, and sulfate, however, had no statistically significant effects. Volume of atmospheric accumulated dust- PM2.5 correlated to increase in suicide risks, with statistical significance.

Falling from a height can be defined as the movement of the body to a lower level than the state it is on, under the influence of gravity, due to carelessness, imbalance or voluntary actions of oneself or another person. The circumstances in which falls occur are always suicides, but sometimes they can be accidents and very rarely - homicides. An important indicator and predictor of expected traumatic injuries is height. Most authors accept its division into three groups: < 3m., 3-9m., >9m. The locations of injuries in falls from a height can be divided into several groups: head and neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower limbs. Aim and objectives: to analyze the characteristics of traumatic injuries in falls from a height at different heights. Materials and methods: retrospective study in the department of forensic medicine in Plovdiv over a period of 5 years on cadavers of people over 18 year-old who died as a result of a fall from a height. Results and discussion: the results show male predominance - 71% of all cases. Regarding the height from which the fall occurred, the most cases are in the group over 9m - 77%, and the least from under 3m - 9.6%. The circumstances under which the death occurred show that in 76% of the cases it was a suicide, and in the remaining 24% it was an accident. The most frequent location of the identified injuries is in the chest area (95.2%), followed by the head and neck - 92.3%. Conclusion: Falls from height rank among the top injury-related deaths, accounting for a high percentage of injuries from a blunt trauma.

Background. Stigma associated with psychological problems is a major concern that negatively affects people living with different symptomatology, sometimes with serious consequences for their health. The principal purpose of this paper was to carry out an updated systematic review to explore the relationship between the stigma associated with mental health problems and the risk of suicide in the clinical population, as well as to study the variables involved in this relationship. Method. A search was carried out in the PsycInfo, Pubmed and Scopus databases, using keywords related to stigma, suicide, and limiting the studies to clinical samples. The search included articles in English and Spanish from January 2012 to December 2020. Results. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. The results suggest that increased self-stigma toward mental health problems is associated with increased risk of suicide in clinical population. Also, variables involved in this relationship are suggested, such as depression, hopelessness, loss of vital sense, unemployment or decrease of support networks. Conclusion. The stigma associated with mental health problems could be a potential therapeutic target for reducing the risk of suicide in the clinical population. Exhaustive studies, with control groups random assignment, and more heterogeneous samples are necessary to know the phenomenon in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Every year, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide, one of the most common reasons for youth death. While many studies have revealed two main factors for suicidal behavior: impulsive suicidal behavior due to mental illness and financial stress, it is not clear what happens if individuals face deterioration of mental health and economic recession. This paper attempts to answer this question and how suicide rates are correlated with these factors.Methods: We empirically investigate whether economic recessions and air pollution trigger suicides by examining Japan, a country with one of the highest suicide rates, from 2014 to 2021. We take advantage of the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic and the periods before the pandemic, when both economic recessions and reductions in air pollution occurred simultaneously. Using monthly and municipal- level data, we construct a triple difference model that takes air pollution and unemployment as treatments.Results: Our findings show that high (upper half of each period) levels of air pollution and unemployment have substantial impacts on the suicide rates of adults (22.9% in the short term) and children (42.7% in the short term, 36.0% in the long term), indicating that the increase in suicide rates among children is almost twice as high as that among adults. Our study finds that unemployment and air pollution alone are not associated with increased suicide rates but their simultaneous occurrence triggers suicides during the pandemic.Conclusions: Our study urges suicide prevention, particularly among children, as an essential consideration for public health. Furthermore, our results indicate the need for the government to allocate resources to recover air quality and the economy simultaneously during a recession to reduce suicide mortality of both child and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anecdotal reports of deceased celebrities being found nude abound, yet research is lacking regarding the frequency of nudity at death. Moreover, it is unknown if nudity at the time of death is a useful investigative clue or a distracting non-factor in equivocal death cases. This study used data from 119,145 homicides and suicides reported to the Centers for Disease Control to explore victim nudity, prior life stressors, and demographics on the likelihood of a death being a homicide or a suicide. Logistic regression results indicate that a female victim being found nude is a strong indicator of homicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide affects all sociodemographic levels, age groups, and populations worldwide. The factors that can increase the risk of suicidal tendencies are widely studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the types and combinations of toxics found in fatal suicide victims with different suicide mechanisms. A total of 355 autopsies were retrospectively studied, and 26 toxics were determined and related to mechanisms of suicide. Hanging (55%), drug overdose (22.7%), and jumping from a height (17.8%) were most represented suicide mechanisms with positive toxicology. Hanging was the most represented in men (50.3%; p = 0.019), while jumping from a height was more represented in women (29.7%, p = 0.028). Drugs of abuse were the most frequent toxics found in men (55.5%; p < 0.001), while medicines were the most frequent type found in women (70.3%, p < 0.001). Alcohol, nordiazepam, cocaine, and venlafaxine were the most consumed toxics. Benzodiazepines and venlafaxine were found in suicides involving drug overdose, hanging, and jumping from a height. In conclusion, most suicides were associated with drug abuse in men. Hanging was more represented in men and jumping from a height in women. Alcohol was present in combination with other toxics and medicines. The toxicological analysis is fundamental to understanding consumption patterns and establishing strategies and protocols for detecting and preventing suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicides represent an encompassing measure of psychological wellbeing, emotional stability as well as life satisfaction, and they have been recently identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major global health concern. The G20 countries represent the powerhouse of global economic governance and hence possess the ability to influence the direction of global suicide rates. In applying the sequential panel selection method (SPSM) to three generations of unit root testing procedures, the study investigates the integration properties of suicides in G20 countries between 1990–2017. The results obtained from all three generations of tests provide rigid evidence of persistence within the suicides for most member states of the G20 countries, hence supporting the current strategic agenda pushed by the WHO in reducing suicides to a target rate of 10 percent. In addition, we further propose that such strategies should emanate from within G20 countries and spread globally thereafter.

There are observations that right after total quarantine measures were introduced, there was no growth in number of suicides, but a situation remains unclear when it comes down to new waves in the pandemic development. Our research goal was to estimate risks of suicide in heterogeneous population groups in 2020, that is, from the pandemic start and up to the second wave rise. We analyzed data on completed suicides in Saint Petersburg, Udmurtia Republic (Russia), and Odessa region (Ukraine), 6,375 cases overall among population groups with total number of people being equal to 9,216 thousand starting from January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Confidence intervals for frequencies as per months (per 100,000 people) in 2020 were calculated as per Wilson and compared with average ones calculated for 2016–2019. There was a decrease in frequency of completed suicides in all three population groups during a period when the strictest quarantine measures were valid; by the mid-summer the trend normalized or there was even a slight increase. When the second pandemic wave came, changes were multidirectional; in particular, in Saint Petersburg there was another decrease by the end of the year, the most apparent and statistically significant among men whereas there were short-term rises in Udmurtia and Odessa. Our comparison performed for population groups with initially different levels of suicides confirms that right after a crisis starts, suicidal behavior becomes less frequent among people; however, as a response to the second pandemic wave, we can expect both falls and rises in number of suicides and it requires more intense preventive activities.