1025 – The isle of wight suicide study: a case study of 68 suicides between 2006 and 2009

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to identify sociodemographic, clinical and service delivery risk factors for suicide in the population of service-users (SUs) and non-service users (NSUs) plus gender-related characteristics of suicidal behaviour; in a limited geographic region. Method Data were collected on 68 cases of suicide (ICD-10 X60-X84) for residents on the Isle of Wight between January 2006 and December 2009. Results Significantly (p=0.0006) more men than women (male/female ratio 3:1) died by suicide. Relatively (p=0.07) more women (56.2%) than men (32.7%), and significantly more (p=0.05) SUs (45.3%) than NSUs (13.3%) were unemployed. Significantly more (p=0.0006) SUs (64%) than NSUs (20%) had a history of suicide and relatively (p=0.06) more (50.9%) SUs than NSUs (20%) had attended the A & E prior to their death. 69% had an adverse life event within a year prior to their suicide. Depression was significantly (p=0.008) more frequent in women (66.6%) than men (23.7%). Suicide by hanging was the commonest cause acounting for death of 71% of men and 50% of women. 57.3% of deaths occurred at their place of residence and 75% of on weekdays. 50% of women died in autumn, compared to 28.8% of men. There were three inpatient deaths (4.4%). Relatively (p=0.08) more women (56.2%) than men (32.7%) have contactacted serivces before their death. Conclusions 80% suicides were conducted by people suffering from a mental disorder. Men are at a significant risk of suicide. Anxiety disorders in men and depression in women are the most common mental disorders.