Demographic Characteristics and Methods of Suicide in Isfahan Province From 2015 to 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher

Summary: Who faces higher fatality after a suicide attempt? An observational analysis identified differences by sex, marital status and method, supporting targeted prevention. #SuicidePrevention #PublicHealth

Farajzadegan Z ; Golshiri P ; Vali M
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Suicide is an important public health issue and is influenced by multiple interactions of demographic and psychosocial factors. Given the existence of different results and the need for up-to-date data, this study was designed to investigate demographic patterns and methods of suicide in Isfahan Province. Methods: This cross-sectional-longitudinal study was conducted on suicide cases registered in the comprehensive national suicide data portal in Isfahan Province from March 21, 2015, to March 20, 2021. All suicide cases reported to hospitals under the coverage of the provincial health center were included in the study. Data were reported using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Findings: In the study, 32434 suicide cases were registered, of which 86.4% (28031 cases) were alive and 2% (657 cases) resulted in definite death. The frequency of suicides in women (58.4%) was higher than in men, but more deaths due to suicide were observed in men (388 cases) than in women (269 cases). The highest age frequency was related to the age of 18 (1467 cases). The most common method of suicide was drug poisoning (86.7%) and the most lethal methods were firearms (59% of deaths) and hanging (58.2% of deaths), respectively. Based on logistic regression analysis, the chance of death due to suicide in men was 1.35 times that of women (P = 0.005), with each one-year increase in age, the odds were 1.02 times higher (P < 0.001), and in divorced people it was 18.4 times that of other groups (P < 0.001). Also, suicide by burning increased the chance of death by 32.6 times compared to other methods (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Given the higher chance of death in men, divorced individuals, and suicide by burning, it is suggested that preventive interventions be planned for targeted screening in high-risk groups and limiting access to lethal methods. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.