Citation

Koronfel AA. J. Clin. Forensic Med. 2002; 9(1): 5-11.

Affiliation

Department of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science Administration, Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1054/jcfm.2002.0514

PMID

15274957

Abstract

The annual rate of suicide in Dubai between 1992 and 2000 was 6.2/100,000. There was a non- significant peak incidence in November while July recorded the lowest incidence. Fridays showed the lowest incidence with no significant difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. Victims were predominantly male expatriates with no significant difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. However, a significant increase in the number of non-Indian female expatriates was recorded. The majority of victims were of the age group 21-40 with a significant increase in teenaged females and teenaged citizens. Hanging was the commonest method for committing suicide. Females and non-Indian expatriates resorted significantly to jumping from a high and self-poisoning. The age of the victim had no effect on the choice of the method used to commit suicide. The majority of incidents took place in the victim's own house. A suicide note was left behind in 5% of cases. History of psychological illness or trauma was available in 9.7% of cases. In these cases, depressive illness and recent unemployment were the major triggers for suicidal impulse. A total of 27.7% of screened victims tested positive for alcohol and were predominantly males with no significant difference between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Language: en