Document Detail


Characteristics of adult male and female firearm suicide decedents: findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19805601     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk factors and precipitating circumstances associated with firearm suicide. METHODS: Data from the restricted National Violent Death Reporting System (2003-6) for 25 491 male and female suicide decedents aged 18 and older were analysed by multiple logistic regression to estimate the relative odds of firearm use with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Firearms were often used in male (58.1%) and female (31.2%) suicides. Among male decedents, older age, veteran status, residing in areas with higher rates of firearm availability, raised blood alcohol concentration, acute crisis and relationship problems were all associated with firearm use. Conversely, men with a diagnosis of a mental health problem, a history of suicide attempts or alcohol problems had lower odds of firearm use. Among female decedents, factors with a significant effect on firearm use included: being older, married, white and a veteran; residing in areas with higher rates of firearm availability; having an acute crisis; having experienced the death of a relative or friend; being depressed; and having relationship problems. Of note, women who had a treated DSM-IV-diagnosed problem, previous suicide attempts and physical health problems were less likely to use firearms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings challenge the conventional view that those who are severely depressed and suicidal are prone to highly lethal methods, such as firearms. Rather, firearms users may be reacting to acute situations.
Authors:
M S Kaplan; B H McFarland; N Huguet
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Injury prevention : journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention     Volume:  15     ISSN:  1475-5785     ISO Abbreviation:  Inj. Prev.     Publication Date:  2009 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-10-06     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9510056     Medline TA:  Inj Prev     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  322-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
School of Community Health, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207, USA. kaplanm@pdx.edu
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