Study designs and statistical approaches to suicide and prevention research in real‐world data

Abstract

ObjectiveTo provide researchers, clinicians and policy makers with a primer to study designs, statistical approaches and graphical reporting methods for suicide research in real world data (RWD).MethodsStudy designs, statistical method and graphical reporting standards are detailed with examples from the recently published literature.ResultsData sources and codes for identifying suicidal behavior are described. Study designs are described in detail for post‐market surveillance, retrospective cohort studies, case control and nested case–control studies, and self‐controlled (within‐individual) studies including applications of marginal structural models. Graphical reporting of designs is described using an original research study.ConclusionsCompared to RCTs, RWE studies offer larger sample sizes, greater generalizability, and real‐world validity. However, these non‐experimental data risk uncontrolled confounding and potential introduction of bias unless data, design and statistical approaches are rigorously aligned.

Analysis of Suicide Methods and Substances Influencing the State of Consciousness of Their Victims in Poland

“…In some countries, e.g., in Japan, it has the status of law. It is in Japan, among others, where because of suicide prevention measures taken, a decrease by 10% has occurred, while in Chile the number is 15% and in Scotland 18% [ 54 ].…”