Improving suicide mortality statistics in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) between 2004-2012.

Identifier:  imarina:5129939

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina5129939

Authors:  Barberia, Eneko; Gispert, Rosa; Gallo, Belen; Ribas, Gloria; Puigdefabregas, Anna; Freitas, Adriana; Segu, Elena; Torralba, Pilar; Garcia-Sayago, Francisco; Estarellas, Aina

Abstract:
Introduction: Monitoring and preventing suicidal behaviour requires, among other data, knowing suicide deaths precisely. They often appear under-reported or misclassified in the official mortality statistics. The aim of this study is to analyse the under-reporting found in the suicide mortality statistics of Tarragona (a province of Catalonia, Spain). Method and materials: The analysis takes into account all suicide deaths that occurred in the Tarragona Area of the Catalan Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (TA-CILMFS) between 2004 and 2012. The sources of information were the death data files of the Catalan Mortality Register, as well as the Autopsies Files of the TA-CILMFS. Suicide rates and sociodemographic profiles were statistically compared between the suicide initially reported and the final one. Results: The mean percentage of non-reported cases in the period was 16.2%, with a minimum percentage of 2.2% in 2005 and a maximum of 26.8% in 2009. The crude mortality rate by suicide rose from 6.6 to 7.9 per 100,000 inhabitants once forensic data were incorporated. Small differences were detected between the socio-demographic profile of the suicide initially reported and the final one. Supplementary information was obtained on the suicide method, which revealed a significant increase in poisoning and suicides involving trains. Conclusions: An exhaustive review of suicide deaths data from forensic sources has led to an improvement in the under-reported statistical information. It also improves the knowledge of the method of suicide and personal characteristics.