scholarly journals Dying in a foreign land: A study of completed suicides among foreign workers in Singapore

2021 ◽  
pp. 136346152110236
Author(s):  
Marcus Yu Lung Chiu ◽  
Corinne Ghoh ◽  
Christine Wong ◽  
Kang Li Wong
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Foreign Workers ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Work Permit ◽  
Suicide Notes ◽  
Resident Work ◽  
Foreign Land ◽  
As Relationship

Suicide is a public health issue that impacts a nation’s resident and non-resident populations alike. Singapore has one of the largest non-resident (work permit holder) populations in the world, yet very little attention has been given to examining suicide in this population. The current study examined the case materials of all 303 non-resident completed suicides in Singapore in the period January 2011 to December 2014. Their basic profiles were compared with that of the 1,507 resident cases in the same period. A sample of 30 death notes written by non-residents were randomly selected and thematically analyzed to supplement the descriptive findings and discussion. Results showed that suicides were highest among males, those aged 21–35 years old, and South Asians. Most non-resident suicide cases did not have known physical or mental health issues, prior suicide attempts, or suicide notes. Suicide decedents from South Asia and Europe most frequently used hanging, while jumping was most common among decedents from other regions. Relationship and health problems emerged as the top two suspected triggers for suicide based on our analysis of the suicide notes. The unique situation of working abroad may increase non-residents’ vulnerability in general, while adverse life events such as relationship and health issues may be too overwhelming to bear, especially when support services are not readily available and accessible. The results have implications for suicide prevention among this neglected group of people who choose to work in foreign lands.

scholarly journals Mapping Institutional Interventions to Mitigate Suicides: A Study of Causes and Prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10880
Author(s):  
Zia Ullah ◽  
Nighat Akbar Shah ◽  
Sonia Shamroz Khan ◽  
Naveed Ahmad ◽  
Miklas Scholz
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Police Personnel ◽  
Suicide Awareness ◽  
Commit Suicide

Suicide is an extreme, tragic act and an important subject for social inquiry. It is the rising public health issue prevalent in the Himalayan range of Pakistan. The young and educated population is more prone to suicide instead of using this prime phase of age productively. Unfortunately, the suicide problem remains unaddressed, the causes remain undefined, solutions are not in the works, and in situations when others play a part in driving someone to commit suicide, no one is being held accountable. This study is aimed at uncovering the root causes of suicide and proposing some preventive measures to mitigate the problem. Our team studied three years’ worth of data (2017–2019) on suicides from the office of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Chitral. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews of different stakeholders, including family members, neighbors, lawyers, and police personnel. The findings revealed that extended family pressures, the power dynamic between sustainers and dependents, family conflicts, and inheritance cases were the major causes of the domestic violence that preceded suicide attempts. Mental health issues, forced marriages, academic competitions, and flawed litigation processes were also among the leading causes of suicide. Awareness through education and religious sermons, strengthening healthcare organizations, restructuring family systems, establishing police complaint centers, effective prosecution processes, and imparting lifesaving skills have been identified as measures to prevent suicide. This study has theoretical and practical implications, as it adds certain novel variables regarding the causes and solutions of suicide to the existing body of literature and guides public authorities to strengthen institutions to intervene effectively.

Is the firearm epidemic in the US getting worse?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Tedesco ◽  
K Y C Adja ◽  
F Rallo ◽  
C Reno ◽  
M P Fantini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
National Level ◽  
Gun Violence ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Western World ◽  
Diagnostic Code ◽  
The Us ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
Annual Decline

Abstract Background The US is the least regulated firearm market in the Western world and firearm violence is a major public health issue. Firearms account for 40,000 deaths in the US annually, which is higher than other high-income countries. Although most of the gun-related deaths in the US are the result of suicide attempts and self-inflicted injuries, nearly 40% of them come from accidents, assaults, or police intervention. Methods We measured the number of non-self-inflicted firearm-related ED visits, by including patients discharged with diagnostic ICD-9-CM (ICD-10 for 2016) codes of accidents, assaults or legal intervention resulting in firearm injuries between 2006-2016. We used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUPnet). From the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research we obtained data on non-suicidal firearm-related deaths over the period 2006-2017. To identify the cause of death we used the ICD-10 codes. Temporal changes of rates of ED visits and deaths were evaluated using Joinpoint Software. Results In 2006 there were a total of 79,998 ED visits with a diagnostic code of firearm-related injury, and this number showed a non-significant 2.7% annual decline between 2006-2013 (p = 0.06) followed by a significant 19.4% annual increase between 2013-2016 (p < 0.05), resulting in 111.305 visits in 2016. The number of non-suicidal firearm-related deaths showed a significant 2.2% annual decline between 2006-2014 (p < 0.05), followed by a significant 10.3% APC (p < 0.05) between 2014-2017. Conclusions Data showed steady rates until 2013 and a striking increasing trend starting from 2013. Firearm-related deaths followed the same trends. Our data show that in the last four detectable years there has been a new concerning wave of gun violence and consequently a higher number of fatalities. Analysis limitations: we used national-level aggregate data and coding accuracy may be not consistent nationwide. Key messages In the last four detectable years there has been a new concerning wave of gun violence and consequently a higher number of fatalities nationwide. The US firearm related deaths epidemic urges for new policies and preventive measures, such as stricter background checks and restrictions on guns ownership.

scholarly journals Reducing youth suicide: systems modelling and simulation to guide targeted investments across the determinants

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-An Occhipinti ◽  
Adam Skinner ◽  
Frank Iorfino ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
Julie Sturgess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Modelling And Simulation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Systems Modelling

Abstract Background Reducing suicidal behaviour (SB) is a critical public health issue globally. The complex interplay of social determinants, service system factors, population demographics, and behavioural dynamics makes it extraordinarily difficult for decision makers to determine the nature and balance of investments required to have the greatest impacts on SB. Real-world experimentation to establish the optimal targeting, timing, scale, frequency, and intensity of investments required across the determinants is unfeasible. Therefore, this study harnesses systems modelling and simulation to guide population-level decision making that represent best strategic allocation of limited resources. Methods Using a participatory approach, and informed by a range of national, state, and local datasets, a system dynamics model was developed, tested, and validated for a regional population catchment. The model incorporated defined pathways from social determinants of mental health to psychological distress, mental health care, and SB. Intervention scenarios were investigated to forecast their impact on SB over a 20-year period. Results A combination of social connectedness programs, technology-enabled coordinated care, post-attempt assertive aftercare, reductions in childhood adversity, and increasing youth employment projected the greatest impacts on SB, particularly in a youth population, reducing self-harm hospitalisations (suicide attempts) by 28.5% (95% interval 26.3–30.8%) and suicide deaths by 29.3% (95% interval 27.1–31.5%). Introducing additional interventions beyond the best performing suite of interventions produced only marginal improvement in population level impacts, highlighting that ‘more is not necessarily better.’ Conclusion Results indicate that targeted investments in addressing the social determinants and in mental health services provides the best opportunity to reduce SB and suicide. Systems modelling and simulation offers a robust approach to leveraging best available research, data, and expert knowledge in a way that helps decision makers respond to the unique characteristics and drivers of SB in their catchments and more effectively focus limited health resources.

Hangings attended by ambulance clinicians in the North East of England

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-57
Author(s):  
Gary Shaw ◽  
Lee Thompson ◽  
Graham McClelland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Hospital Data ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Acute Hospitals ◽  
Future Work

Introduction: Suicide rates have risen in England over the last decade and hanging, a highly lethal method of suicide, has been the most common method. Previous work in this area identified a lack of literature discussing emergency medical services (EMS) attendance at hangings. This article aims to describe hangings attended by EMS in the North East of England in order to inform future work in this area.Methods: A retrospective service evaluation was conducted using existing data from a comprehensive pre-hospital trauma audit database to describe patients with hanging documented in their records who were attended by ambulance clinicians between 1 December 2018 and 31 November 2020.Results: Hanging was recorded in 604 incidents. Most cases (n = 579/604) involved adults (aged 18 years or older) with a median age of 35 years (IQR 27‐45 years), who were male (n = 410/579, 71%). Just over half (n = 341/579, 59%) of adult hangings resulted in cardiac arrest and of these, 10% (n = 33/341) were resuscitated and survived to hospital admission. Threatened and non-fatal hangings appear to have increased dramatically in the latter half of 2020. Previous suicide attempts and mental health issues were frequently reported across this population.Conclusion: Hangings are a method of suicide which frequently result in a cardiac arrest. In the North East of England the ambulance service attends approximately one hanging per day and one fatal hanging every two days. When fatal hangings were resuscitated, pre-hospital outcomes were similar to other causes of cardiac arrest, highlighting that despite the traumatic nature of these cases resuscitation is not futile. In order to better understand this patient group and improve care, pre-hospital data need to be linked to data from other services such as mental health services and acute hospitals.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study

10.2196/13388 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e13388
Author(s):  
Stéphane Darbeda ◽  
Henri-Jean Aubin ◽  
Michel Lejoyeux ◽  
Amandine Luquiens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Web Based ◽  
History Of

Background Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. Objective This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. Methods From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. Results Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; P<.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; P<.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; P=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; P<.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; P<.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; P<.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; P<.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; P<.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; P<.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; P<.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; P<.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; P<.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; P<.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; P=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; P<.001). Conclusions The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

FOREIGN WORKERS AND WITHIN INDUSTRY DYNAMICS

2012 ◽  
Vol 57 (04) ◽  
pp. 1250026
Author(s):  
DOMINIC SOON ◽  
JANG PING THIA
Keyword(s):  
Hotel Industry ◽  
The Other ◽  
Retail Industry ◽  
Industry Dynamics ◽  
Foreign Workers ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Work Permit ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Industry Consolidation ◽  
Tradable Sector

Using a services firm-level dataset for Singapore, we find that different services industries have different industry dynamics with regards to work-permit foreign workers (FWs). In the retail industry, higher FW use is associated with lower firm-level profitability. This suggests that greater industry consolidation through tighter FW allocation could improve overall productivity in the sector. On the other hand, greater FW use in the hotel industry is associated with higher firm-level productivity. This suggests that FWs represent a critical input that supports more productive firms in this tradable sector. Hence, for this sector, FW policy should be more accommodative.

scholarly journals A REVIEW STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING SUICIDE AMONG SOUTH ASIANS IN THE UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Ubaid Rehman ◽  
Alamgeer Khan ◽  
Muhammad Jawad ◽  
Saima Sarir ◽  
Seema Zubair
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationships ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Culturally Sensitive Interventions ◽  
Review Study ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Family Contact

Purpose of the study: A systematic review of studies on factors in the suicide of South Asians in the UK was reviewed to enhance understanding by aggregating those factors contributing to suicide in this diverse group. Methodology: Digital databases PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PubMed, JSTOR, Science Direct, Web of sciences, and Google Scholar, were searched from 1990 to 2018 and, six studies were included for the review. Main Findings: Factors like cultural conflict, mental health issues, family relationships, and religious & other social aspects influence suicide in South Asians in the UK. Also, better family contact, culturally sensitive interventions & services, and educational pamphlets could support preventive strategies. Applications of this study: Future research needs to concentrate on the reasons behind high rates of suicide in social class 1 and disaggregation of factors in sub-groups of South Asians in the UK to support the development of sound preventive strategies. Novelty/Originality of this study: First study ever to aggregate factors in the suicide of South Asians in the UK.  

scholarly journals Adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 38-42
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nurunnabi ◽  
Monowar Ahmad Tarafdar ◽  
Afroza Begum ◽  
Sultana Jahan ◽  
A F M Rezaul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Adolescent Suicide ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Family Adversity ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Effective Prevention

Suicide among adolescent has emerged as a major public health issue in many low and middle-income (LAMI) countries. Suicidal behavior including ideation and attempt are the most important predictors of completed suicide and offer critical points for intervention. This article reviews recent population and national data based studies of adolescent suicide and suicide attempters for analyzing risk factors for adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior. According to WHO estimates, 800,000 suicide deaths occurred worldwide in 2016 and it is the third leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds. The suicide rate in Bangladesh was 5.9 per 100,000 population in 2016 (4.7 for males and 7.0 for females). Approximately, 90 percent of suicide cases meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, particularly major depression, substance abuse and prior suicide attempts are strongly related to adolescent suicides. The relationship between psychiatric disorders and adolescent suicide is now well established. Factors related to family adversity, social alienation and precipitating problems also contribute to the risk of suicide. The main target of effective prevention of adolescent suicides is to reduce suicide risk factors. Recognition and effective management and control of psychiatric disorders, e.g. depression, are essential in preventing adolescent suicides. Research on the treatment of diagnosed depressive disorders and of those with suicidal behavior is reviewed.

scholarly journals Survival Strategies of Indonesian Immigrants in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Populasi ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Dzurizah ◽  
Jalihah Md Shah ◽  
Rose Patsy Tibok
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Foreign Workers ◽  
Immigrant Community ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Social And Economic Development ◽  
Study Orientation ◽  
Foreign Land

Findings of studies on the presence of immigrant workers in Malaysia often present negative social and economic implications. Their entry into the country is frequently a contentious issue due to their presence associated often with illegal foreign workers. This paper however is an attempt to provide insights into the involvement of Indonesian immigrants in the food business sector, their business adaptability and their survival strategies in a foreign land. The Indonesian immigrants’ experiences, from their beginnings in Sabah until their current social and community achievements, are presented in this study. Anchored on a biography study orientation and the in-depth interview method, this exploratory study examines the life experiences of five food business entrepreneurs in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah using the snowball effect as a sampling method with the subsequent data analysed thematically. Findings indicate determination and dedication as the main threads in the positive survival among Indonesian food business entrepreneurs. This study identifies seven survival strategies instrumental to the success and adaptability of the Indonesian immigrant community in their host country. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that (1) not all immigrants become liabilities to their host country and community, (2) some immigrants develop local communities by building public religious schools, and (3) some immigrants contribute to the development of local economies. The findings from this study can be utilised to develop better and more positive social and economic development overtures that could sustain a harmonious and peaceful society.

Media advocacy for policy influence

2020 ◽  
pp. 340-347
Author(s):  
Simon Chapman ◽  
Becky Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Public Health Interventions ◽  
Media Advocacy ◽  
Effective Media ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
The Media ◽  
Public Health Initiatives

Many public health interventions are controversial or potentially controversial. The way the media handle such issues can strongly influence public and policy-maker attitudes towards them, and effective media advocacy can be a powerful way of taking forward public health initiatives. After reading this chapter, you should have a better understanding of: how the media deal with public health issues; how the framing of an issue influences whether and how it leads to changes in policy; what you can do when a public health issue is framed in an adverse or harmful way.

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