Demographic findings in suicidal hangings among Iranian population

Abstract

This study aimed at describing demographic information of the deceased resulting from hanging by means of different methods of suicide. In this cross-sectional study, the file of suicide cases referred to the Central Legal Medicine Organization was investigated retrospectively. Of 1681 suicide cases, the highest suicide mode was hanging by 993 cases (57.4%) and intoxication by 674 cases (39%). The mean age of hanging was 36.22±15.76 and for other suicide methods it was 32.61±13.70 (P=0.000). Hanging was higher in males. Female victims used other methods like intoxication (P=0.000). The most common seasons for hanging were spring and winter. Toxicological analysis in cases of hanging was positive with opioid alkaloids in 95 cases (9/9%) and methamphetamine in 68 cases (7%). Intoxication with aluminum phosphide was in 35.8% of cases. Most of the cases (68.3%) were self-employed victims. A total of 534 (63%) cases were married. There was a statistically significant difference between hanging and other suicide modes concerning age, gender, occupation, marital status, and drug abuse history (P<0.001). The frequency of hanging was higher in males, marrieds, self-employed, unemployed and drug abusers. Students were victims of intoxication. Self-employed victims, unemployed victims and drug abusers were exposed to successful attempts more than others. Screening plans can be helpful in preventing suicide by prioritizing the people at risk.