Suicides in Belgrade, Serbia in the period 2009-2018

Abstract

Abstract Background Suicides fall in violent deaths and more recently have shown an increasing trend in developed and developing countries. This is a major public health problem that could and should be prevented. Unfortunately, it is among the top twenty leading causes of death worldwide. This public health problem exists in Belgrade and Serbia, as well. Methods An analysis of death certificates shows an insight into the causes of death of inhabitants of Belgrade. The paper presents data from the Database of deceased persons in Belgrade, for the period 2009- 2018. Data are analyzed using frequencies and incidence rates by sex, age groups, month of death, day of death, and municipality of residence of deceased. Results In Belgrade, from 2009 to 2018 the incidence rate of suicides is decreasing. The standardized suicide rate was highest in 2009 (12/100.000). Men often committed suicides at all observed years, and the rates are usually higher as in women. The highest number of suicides occur in April, July and June and observing days within a week Wednesday and Tuesday lead. The average age of men who committed suicide was 57 years and women 59.5 years. The most common method of carrying out the suicide was 'by hanging, strangulation and suffocation' (X70 according to ICD-10) and frequency was 45.2%. Conclusions The incidence rate of suicides at Belgrade territory shows the trend of decline in the observed period, between 2009 and 2018. Besides that, other attributes indicate that age-sex-manner of suicides could be changed, as for being targeted for prevention. Preventing suicides is a new challenge for public health and all public sectors have to be involved in prevention. Considering ageing of a population, migration and other negative demographic trends in Belgrade and Serbia, it is necessary to raise our competencies in inhibition of these unfortunate events. Key messages Preventing suicides is a challenge for public health. It is necessary to raise competencies in order to prevent suicides.