A Medicolegal Study of Suicide in Alexandria

Abstract

Suicide among Egyptians is a subject of great concern which requires thorough study to formulate a prevention strategy. The aim of this work was to study the magnitude of the problem of suicide in Alexandria. The study entailed two parts: retrospective part and prospective one. The data of retrospective study was retrieved from the medico-legal reports of cases of suicidal death referred to the Directorate of Forensic Medicine in Alexandria for autopsy during a period of four years starting from 1st of January 2008 till the end of December 2011. The prospective study included all cases of suicidal death referred to the Directorate of Forensic Medicine in Alexandria for autopsy during a period of six months, starting from 1st of January 2012 till the end of June 2012. The results revealed that the total number of cases was 205, 11.5% of autopsied cases during the period of the study were suicidal with the highest percentage of cases was recorded in 2010 (15.1%). The rate of suicidal deaths ranged from 0.88 to 1.09/100,000 population. The majority was males (75.6%), high prevalence (49.3%) was found in age group 21-30 years in both sexes. The prevalence was higher in urban (94.1%), educated (88.8%), unemployed (57.1%) and unmarried (49.3%). Hanging was the most common method of suicide in males (45.16%), while falling from height was the commonest method used by females (36%). The majority of suicidal deaths occurred in spring (36.1%), and indoors (65.9%). Psychological problems were reported in 38% and history of previous suicidal attempts was present in 20% of cases. Conclusion: Suicide rate in Alexandria is much lower than in other areas but still considered a problem and should be given high priority with regard to prevention. Methods used to commit suicide are widely available and are difficult to restrict. Therefore, suicide prevention strategy based on risk factors could be more effective rather than limiting the access to methods.