scholarly journals Relationship of the high proportion of suicidal acts involving ingestion of pesticides to the low male-to-female ratio of suicide rates in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongsheng Tong ◽  
Michael R. Phillips ◽  
Yi Yin ◽  
Zhichao Lan
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Demographic Profile ◽  
Female Suicide ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Male To Female

Abstract Aims The 2014 World Health Organization report on global suicide identified large differences in the male-to-female ratio of suicide rates between countries: most high-income countries (HICs) report ratios of 3:1 or higher while many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) – including China and India – report ratios of less than 1.5:1. Most authors suggest that gender-based social-cultural factors lead to higher rates of suicidal behaviour among women in LMICs and, thus, to relatively high female suicide rates. We aim to test an alternative hypothesis: differences in the method and case-fatality of suicidal behaviour – not differences in the rates of suicidal behaviour – are the main determinants of higher female suicide rates in LMICs. Methods A prospective registry of suicide attempts treated in all 14 general hospitals in a rural county in China was established and data from the registry were integrated with population and mortality data from the same county from 2009 to 2014. Results There were 160 suicides and 1010 medically-treated suicidal attempts in the county; 84% of female suicides and 58% of male suicides ingested pesticides while 73% of female attempted suicides and 72% of male attempted suicides ingested pesticides. The suicide rate (per 100 000 person-years of exposure) was 8.4 in females and 9.1 in males (M:F ratio = 1.08:1) while the incidence of ‘serious suicidal acts’ (i.e. those that result in death or received treatment in a hospital) was 81.5 in females and 47.7 in males (M:F ratio = 0.59:1). The case-fatality of serious suicidal acts was higher in males than in females (19 v. 10%), increased with age, was highest for violent methods (92%), intermediate for pesticide ingestion (13%) and lowest for other methods (5%). Conclusions The incidence of medically serious suicidal behaviour among females in rural China was similar to that reported in HICs, but the case-fatality was much higher, primarily because most suicidal acts involved the ingestion of pesticides, which had a higher case-fatality than methods commonly used by women in HICs. These findings do not support sociological explanations for the relatively high female suicide rate in China but, rather, suggest that gender-specific method choice and the case-fatality of different methods are more important determinants of the demographic profile of suicide rates. Further research that involves ongoing monitoring of the changing incidence, demographic profile and case-fatality of different suicidal methods in urban and rural parts of both LMICs and HICs is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

scholarly journals Gender difference in suicide in Taiwan over a century: a time trend analysis in 1905–1940 and 1959–2012

2020 ◽  
pp. jech-2020-214058
Author(s):  
Yi-Han Chang ◽  
David Gunnell ◽  
Chia-Yueh Hsu ◽  
Shu-Sen Chang ◽  
Andrew Tai-Ann Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Specific Method ◽  
Gender Ratio ◽  
Unemployment Rates ◽  
Female Suicide ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Male Suicide ◽  
Male To Female

BackgroundSuicide rates are higher in men than in women in most countries, although the gender ratios vary markedly worldwide. We investigated long-term trends in suicide rates and the male-to-female ratios in relation to age, method and economic factors in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial (1905–1940) and postwar (1959–2012) periods.MethodsSuicide data were from the Statistical Reports of Taiwan Governor’s Office (1905–1940), Vital Statistics (1959–1970) and cause-of-death mortality data files (1971–2012). Annual age-standardised and age-specific/method-specific suicide rates by gender and the gender ratios were calculated and examined graphically. The associations between trends in economic indicators, suicide and suicide gender ratio were investigated using Prais-Winsten regression.ResultsThe male-to-female suicide rate ratio increased from below 1 in the 1900s to around 2 by 2000; the reversal was mainly due to a marked reduction in suicide rates in young women coupled with a rise in male suicide between 1905 and 1940. The gender ratio increased again from the 1980s onwards. Poisoning was the most common method in the 1970s–1980s, but its use decreased afterwards, more in women than in men proportionally. The use of gassing for suicide increased markedly in the 2000s and contributed to the rises in overall suicide and the gender ratio. Unemployment rates were more strongly associated with male suicide than female suicide in 1959–2012. Unemployment rates and gross domestic product per capita were positively associated with suicide gender ratios.ConclusionsGender differences in suicide changed remarkably in Taiwan over the past century; such change may be related to cultural, socioeconomic and method-specific factors.

scholarly journals Suicide is Impacted by Culture: Gender Suicide Rates

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saxby Pridmore ◽  
Saxby Pridmore ◽  
William Pridmore
Keyword(s):  
Gender Roles ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Suicide ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Male Suicide ◽  
Female Suicide Rate ◽  
The Stability

Objective: Over the last century mental disorder has been promoted as the universal suicide trigger. This view has been discredited and other triggers are being considered. The aim is to determine whether different regions have sustained different suicide rates for the genders male and female. In the affirmative case, as gender roles are culturally determined, an impact of culture on suicidal behaviour would be confirmed. Method: The WHO Suicide Rates data by country (2016) was examined over a 17-year period. This was examined for details of countries which had demonstrated higher female than male suicide. 6 were located and an additional 6 countries were selected with similar total suicide rates and a higher male than female suicide rate. The stability of higher female or male suicide rates was explored. Results: The 6 countries with higher female suicide rates continued this pattern of behaviour over 17 years – and the countries with higher male suicide rates also continued the established pattern. Conclusions: The persistence of different gender suicide rates in 12 countries over 17 years confirmed that culture can strongly impact suicidal behaviour.

Inequalities and Impact of Socioeconomic-Cultural Factors in Suicide Rates Across Italy

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Pompili ◽  
Marco Innamorati ◽  
Monica Vichi ◽  
Maria Masocco ◽  
Nicola Vanacore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Age And Sex

Background: Suicide is a major cause of premature death in Italy and occurs at different rates in the various regions. Aims: The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive overview of suicide in the Italian population aged 15 years and older for the years 1980–2006. Methods: Mortality data were extracted from the Italian Mortality Database. Results: Mortality rates for suicide in Italy reached a peak in 1985 and declined thereafter. The different patterns observed by age and sex indicated that the decrease in the suicide rate in Italy was initially the result of declining rates in those aged 45+ while, from 1997 on, the decrease was attributable principally to a reduction in suicide rates among the younger age groups. It was found that socioeconomic factors underlined major differences in the suicide rate across regions. Conclusions: The present study confirmed that suicide is a multifaceted phenomenon that may be determined by an array of factors. Suicide prevention should, therefore, be targeted to identifiable high-risk sociocultural groups in each country.

scholarly journals The effect of average temperature on suicide rates in five urban California counties, 1999–⁠2019: an ecological time series analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sierra Cheng ◽  
Rebecca Plouffe ◽  
Stephanie M. Nanos ◽  
Mavra Qamar ◽  
David N. Fisman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Minimum Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Average Maximum

Abstract Background Suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of premature morality in the United States and its rates continue to increase. Thus, its prevention has become a salient public health responsibility. Risk factors of suicide transcend the individual and societal level as risk can increase based on climatic variables. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the association between average temperature and suicide rates in the five most populous counties in California using mortality data from 1999 to 2019. Methods Monthly counts of death by suicide for the five counties of interest were obtained from CDC WONDER. Monthly average, maximum, and minimum temperature were obtained from nCLIMDIV for the same time period. We modelled the association of each temperature variable with suicide rate using negative binomial generalized additive models accounting for the county-specific annual trend and monthly seasonality. Results There were over 38,000 deaths by suicide in California’s five most populous counties between 1999 and 2019. An increase in average temperature of 1 °C corresponded to a 0.82% increase in suicide rate (IRR = 1.0082 per °C; 95% CI = 1.0025–1.0140). Estimated coefficients for maximum temperature (IRR = 1.0069 per °C; 95% CI = 1.0021–1.0117) and minimum temperature (IRR = 1.0088 per °C; 95% CI = 1.0023–1.0153) were similar. Conclusion This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting a causal effect of elevated temperature on suicide. Further investigation into environmental causes of suicide, as well as the biological and societal contexts mediating these relationships, is critical for the development and implementation of new public health interventions to reduce the incidence of suicide, particularly in the face increasing temperatures due to climate change.

Time-Series Studies of the French Suicide Rate Using Age-Adjusted Rates

1998 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-126
Author(s):  
David Lester
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Birth Rates ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Suicide ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Time Series Studies ◽  
Age Adjusted Rates

For France from 1950 to 1985, divorce, marriage and birth rates predicted the crude and the age-adjusted male and female suicide rates identically.

scholarly journals Undernourished children presenting to an urban emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: a prospective descriptive study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prosper J. Bashaka ◽  
Hendry R. Sawe ◽  
Victor Mwafongo ◽  
Juma A. Mfinanga ◽  
Michael S. Runyon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Children Under Five ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Childhood undernutrition causes significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Tanzania, the in-hospital prevalence of undernutrition in children under five years of age is approximated to be 30% with a case fatality rate of 8.8%. In Tanzania, the burden of undernourished children under five years of age presenting to emergency departments (EDs) and their outcomes are unknown. This study describes the clinical profiles and outcomes of this population presenting to the emergency department of Muhimbili National Hospital (ED-MNH), a large, urban hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods This was a prospective descriptive study of children aged 1–59 months presenting to the ED-MNH over eight weeks in July and August 2016. Enrolment occurred through consecutive sampling. Children less than minus one standard deviation below World Health Organization mean values for Weight for Height/Length, Height for Age, or Weight for Age were recruited. Structured questionnaires were used to document primary outcomes of patient demographics and clinical presentations, and secondary outcomes of 24-h and 30-day mortality. Data was summarised using descriptive statistics and relative risks (RR). Results A total of 449 children were screened, of whom 34.1% (n = 153) met criteria for undernutrition and 95.4% (n = 146) of those children were enrolled. The majority of these children, 56.2% (n = 82), were male and the median age was 19 months (IQR 10–31 months). They presented most frequently with fever 24.7% (n = 36) and cough 24.0% (n = 35). Only 6.7% (n = 9) were diagnosed with acute undernutrition by ED-MNH physicians. Mortality at 24 h and 30 days were 2.9% (n = 4) and 12.3% (n = 18) respectively. A decreased level of consciousness with Glasgow Coma Scale below fifteen on arrival to the ED and tachycardia from initial vital signs were found to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of death in undernourished children, with mortality rates of 16.1% (n = 23), and 24.6% (n = 35), respectively. Conclusions In an urban ED of a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania, undernutrition remains under-recognized and is associated with a high rate of in-hospital mortality.

scholarly journals Two Hyperparasitaemic Plasmodium Falciparum Cases Successfully Treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benudhar Mukhi ◽  
Anupkumar R. Anvikar ◽  
Bina Srivast ◽  
Himanshu Gupta ◽  
Susanta Kumar Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Host Responses ◽  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Complications And Mortality ◽  
Male To Female

Abstract BackgroundHyperparasitaemia is an important event in a cascade of Plasmodium falciparum severe malaria (SM) but requires host responses to cause cerebral malaria (CM) leading to death, if left untreated. Here, we report two hyperparasitaemic patients with no CM.MethodsMalaria diagnosis was performed based on thick and thin smears examination, and immunochromatographic-based rapid diagnostic test assay. Parasitaemia was calculated following World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Haematological and biochemical investigations were also performed. ResultsThe first patient had 42% parasitaemia (100% asexual parasites). The second one had 9.5% parasitaemia comprising 46% asexual, and 54% sexual stages with 1:1 male to female ratio. On the day of admission, both had presented abnormal haematological and biochemical parameters compared to the reference ranges. Remarkably, both the patients recovered successfully with oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and a single dose of primaquine.ConclusionThe presence of hypergametocytaemia may hinder the elimination efforts, if not treated immediately. This report also signifies the need of accurately estimating the parasitaemia in malaria patients and their timely management to prevent complications and mortality.

The Association between Firearm Control Policies and Firearm Suicide among Men: A State-Level Age-Stratified Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-258
Author(s):  
Carol Leung ◽  
Mark S Kaplan ◽  
Ziming Xuan
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
State Level ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Gun Control ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Control Policies ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Firearm Suicide ◽  
Firearm Control

Abstract This study examined the association between state-specific firearm control policies and firearm suicide rates among men after adjusting for state-level demographics. This cross-sectional study used state-level mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System and the Brady Campaign State Scorecard in 2017. An age-stratified (15–24 years, 25–44 years, 45–64 years, and ≥ 65 years) multivariable analysis was conducted to identify gun control policies that are associated with firearm suicide rates among men in each age group. Results indicate that the associations of specific firearm control policies and firearm suicide rates differ across the age span. In particular, more policies (for example, dealer regulations and waiting periods) are negatively associated with firearm suicide rate among men 15 to 24 years of age. The findings underscore the importance of designing gender- and age-specific policy advocacy programs directed at lowering the rate of firearm suicide. This study also suggests that California, known for its innovative gun safety legislation efforts, could serve as a model for other states starting preventive programs to reduce the firearm suicide rate. Implications of the findings for social work practice are discussed.

scholarly journals A Study of Clinical Features, Management and Outcome of Organophosphate and Carbamate Poisoning in Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Prasad Koirala ◽  
Kalipatnam Seshagiri Rao ◽  
Kalpana K Malla ◽  
Tejesh Malla
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Methyl Parathion ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
Accidental Poisoning ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Poisoning In Children ◽  
Agricultural Regions ◽  
Male To Female

Introduction: Organophosphates (OP) are commonly used pesticides in rural agricultural regions of Nepal and carbamates are popular household insecticides. Because of poor legislation these poisons are easily accessible and are the most popular suicidal poisons. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done in poisoning cases admitted in PICU of Manipal Teaching Hospital (MTH) over a seven year period. Results: Out of 187 cases of poisoning, 30 (16.04%) were OPs and 4 (2.13%) were Carbamates. The male to female ratio was 56:44 and these poisonings were more common in rural areas (56%). Accidental poisoning (82.4%) was more common but suicidal attempts (17.6%) were also observed. Atropine and pralidoxime were used in 82.4% of the cases. The total atropinizing dose was 0.77±0.6 mg/kg and patients required 56.6±23.7 hours of atropinization. In our study 94.1% of the patients survived and none of them developed any sequel. Children developed muscarinic, nicotinic and CNS symptoms similar to adults. Complications were seen in 41.1% of the children and most common being seizure (85.7%). The most common OP observed in childhood poisoning was Metacid (methyl parathion) seen in 26.4% of the cases. Conclusion: OP and Carbamate poisonings are common in children. Possibility of self-harm poisoning in adolescent females cannot be ignored. Atropine is the mainstay of therapy after initial resuscitation and complications are common in children. With prompt treatment the outcome is good even with complications. The case fatality rate is much less as compared to adults.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i2.7799 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013; 33(2):85-90

scholarly journals Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Early Travel-Associated COVID-19 Cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reham M. Marei ◽  
Mohamed M. Emara ◽  
Omar M. Elsaied ◽  
Gheyath K. Nasrallah ◽  
Tawanda Chivese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Data ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Male To Female

Background: SARS-CoV-2 continues to claim hundreds of thousands of people's lives. It mostly affects the elderly and those with chronic illness but can also be fatal in younger age groups. This article is the first comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological and clinical outcomes of the travel-associated SARS-CoV-2 cases until April 19, 2020.Methods: Demographic and clinical data of travel-associated SARS-CoV-2 cases were collected for the period between January 16, 2020 and April 19, 2020. More than one hundred and eighty databases were searched, including the World Health Organization (WHO) database, countries' ministries websites, and official media sites. Demographic and clinical data were extracted and analyzed.Results: A total of 1,186 cases from 144 countries meeting the inclusion criteria were reported and included in the analysis. The mean age of the cases was 44 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Travel-associated cases originated from more than 40 countries, with China, Italy, and Iran reporting the highest numbers at 208, 225, and 155, respectively. Clinical symptoms varied between patients, with some reporting symptoms during the flights (117 cases; 9.87%). A total of 312 (26.31%) cases were hospitalized, of which 50 cases (4.22%) were fatal.Conclusion: Major gaps exist in the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of the COVID-19 travel-associated cases due to a lack of reporting and sharing data of many counties. The identification and implementation of methodologies for measuring traveler's risk to coronavirus would help in minimizing the spread of the virus, especially in the next waves.

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