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Suicide in elderly S outh T yroleans in various residential settings at the time of death: a psychological autopsy study
Author(s) -
Torresani Stefano,
Toffol Elena,
Scocco Paolo,
Fanolla Antonio
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
psychogeriatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.647
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1479-8301
pISSN - 1346-3500
DOI - 10.1111/psyg.12046
Subject(s) - autopsy , gerontology , medicine , psychology , medical emergency
Background Completed suicide is more frequent among older adults than any other age group. Data on suicide in nursing homes and other residential facilities are inconsistent. This work aims to describe the characteristics of elderly suicide victims in different residential settings compared to young suicide victims. Methods Data on people who died by suicide in the S outh T yrol ( A lto A dige) region of I taly between 2000 and 2009 were gathered from the local P rovincial M ortality R egister. Further detailed information was collected via questionnaires to mental health departments and psychological services, family physicians and relatives of the deceased. Results A total of 525 cases of suicide were recorded, with a linearly decreasing trend during the study period. About one‐third of the suicides occurred in those aged 60 years and over. Suicide in the elderly was associated with low education level (odds ratio ( OR ) = 7.1, P < 0.001), living in a one‐person household ( OR = 2.4, P < 0.01), not having economic troubles ( OR = 6.1, P < 0.01), having seen a doctor in the past month ( OR = 2.4, P < 0.01) and living in a residential facility ( OR = 2.6, P < 0.05). Twenty‐four (17.9%) suicide victims aged 60 years and over were in a residential facility/hospital at the time of the death. They were more likely to be women, not married, and to die by jumping from a height. Conclusions The suicide risk should be carefully assessed in the elderly who live alone or are institutionalized or hospitalized. Efforts are warranted to reduce seniors' access to high places in hospitals and facilities.