Profile of Fatal Suicide in Iran: A Report From the Iranian Forensic Medicine Between 2016 and 2018

Abstract

The suicide rate among the Iranian population has increased over the past few decades. Descriptive information about this public health challenge could inform health policymakers to prioritize prevention strategies. We described the last updated data from the Iranian forensic medicine between 2016 and 2018. We obtained the data on the fatal suicide cases from the national suicide registry of the Iranian Forensic Medicine Organization (FMO), validated by death certificates and harmonized for epidemiologic studies. This study included 9,021 nationally registered suicide deaths from March 21, 2016, to March 20, 2018. A descriptive statistical approach was used to present the findings. Of 9,021 registered suicide deaths with age range between 10 to 94 years [median=31], 44.6% [n=4,015] was in the category of ≤ 29, 48.0% [n=4,328] between 30 to 59, and 7.4% (n=666) in the category of ≥ 60 years old. The percentage of fatal suicide was obviously higher in men (71.2%, n=6,424). Hanging was the most common method of suicide, both among men (57.7%, n=3706) and women (37.6%, n=976). The frequency of fatal suicide was significantly higher in married than single cases (52.6% vs. 42.9%). Overall, at the national level, the most common suicide method was hanging (51.9%), followed by self-poisoning (25.8%) and self-immolation (6.8%). We found evidence of age- and gender differences in suicide mortality across the country. Men, people in younger age groups, and married couples could be considered as the target population for preventive interventions in Iran.

Years of Life Lost Due to Complete Suicide in Iran: A National Registry-Based Study

“…Previous findings would suggest that to decrease suicide and enhance societal mental health effectively, policy-makers should implement practical strategies, including promoting social equity, advocating for modest living, expanding family counseling centers, empowering women, and addressing conflicts arising from modern-traditional value clashes. [26][27][28] These measures can significantly reduce suicide incidence in Iran.…”

Postpartum depression and suicide in Iran

“…5 In 2015, the rate of death due to suicide was estimated to be 2.64% per 100,000 people among Iranian women, 6 which seems increasing; 7 and this issue indicates the importance of paying attention and dealing to suicide data collection quality among women more than ever. 7 According to the definition of World Health Organization, death during pregnancy until 42 days after delivery, ignoring its place and time, due to any reason related to pregnancy, intensified in pregnancy, or due to provided care in this period (except death due to an accident or unexpected event) is called "maternal death," which includes direct and indirect deaths. 8 According to this definition, suicide in this time period is considered pregnant maternal death that is an important index to evaluate the health system of every country.…”

“…4 In Iran, suicide data have the shortcomings due to quantity and quality, some of which are described elsewhere. 5 In 2015, the rate of death due to suicide was estimated to be 2.64% per 100,000 people among Iranian women, 6 which seems increasing; 7 and this issue indicates the importance of paying attention and dealing to suicide data collection quality among women more than ever. 7…”