association between completed suicides and season of the year in an Iranian population

ABSTRACT

The main objective of the present study was to determine the association between completed suicides and season of the year in Iran during 2006-2010. Data on completed suicides were collected by questionnaires field out by the family members of the victims in Legal Medicine Centers throughout the country over the period from 2006 to 2010. The maximum number of completed suicides [380] was observed in August, while the minimum number [231] was reported in February. Season-wise, completed suicides were most prevalent in summer [1040], whereas least prevalent in winter [726]. Mean [SD] age of individuals having committed suicide was 31.5 [14.6] years. This value did not change significantly in different seasons [P=0.051]; nor, was a statistically significant difference observed in the educational level and the reason for suicide across different seasons of the year. Self-immolation and toxic poisoning were found to be significantly less common in autumn and winter [P<0.05], respectively. The number of completed suicides was higher in warm seasons. Season of the year had significant relationships with gender as well the method of suicide, while no significant association was observed for age, level of education, and reason for suicide