Citation

Ougrin D, Banarsee R, Dunn-Toroosian V, Majeed A. J. Public Health (Oxford) 2011; 33(3): 385-391.

Affiliation

King's College London, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, PO 85, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/pubmed/fdq094

PMID

21059687

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In order to achieve the national target of 20% reduction in suicide in the UK, many primary care trusts have developed local suicide prevention action plans. However, there is concern about a lack of a whole-system approach in some localities. Suicide surveys are a necessary component of any suicide reduction strategy. METHODS: All deaths by suicides and open verdicts of a multi-ethnic, socio-economically diverse London Borough's residents between February 2005 and February 2008 were identified (n = 54). Health records of the identified subjects were analysed by two researchers. RESULTS: The annual rate of suicide in the study period was 6.8 per 100 000 inhabitants. Of the 54 cases of suicide in the study period, 45% had a psychiatric diagnosis and 18% were in current contact with mental health services. Hanging was the most frequent mode of suicide. Twenty-four per cent were not registered with a GP, most of whom were immigrants. Twenty-five per cent had seen their GP within a month of suicide. The rate of suicide in those born in Ireland was 17.7 per 100 000. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide survey is a feasible method of monitoring suicide, sharing data between key stakeholders and learning from the trends uncovered.

Language: en