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Abstract
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Suicide has been a major global challenge, whereby there are more than 700 000 people who
die from suicide yearly. Suicide represents the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to
29-year-olds. 1 The average global suicide rate is estimated to be 11.6 per 100 000 people.
Korea remains one of the countries with a higher suicide rate than average, which is 24.6 per
100 000 people. 2 Previous studies in South Korea 3,4,5 had their focus centered on socioeco-
nomic risk factors contributing to suicide.
There is very limited evidence looking at spatiotemporal aspects of suicide in Korea, except
an existing study that focused on elderly (65 years old and older) suicide.6 In the current
study, the authors conducted a comprehensive study that examined the spatiotemporal
patterns of suicide by utilizing age-standardized mortality index with a series of spatial, GIS
(Geographical information system), and hotspot analysis to enhance the accuracy of the data.
The authors are to be applauded for delineating unblemished yet concise results in graphi-
cal and tabulated forms. The hotspot analysis was performed and presented to the point--
which could be invaluable for stakeholders to administer preventive measures and policies
to ameliorate the suicidal risks in high-risk areas. Compared to a similar study locally, 6 the
results and discussion could be verbose and technical to capture the readers' attention. In my
opinion, the current study will be invaluable to be presented to the policy makers to initiate
remedial measures at the national level...
Language: en |