Suicides by hanging and its association with meteorological conditions in São Paulo

J Forensic Leg Med. 2018 Jan:53:22-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.10.010. Epub 2017 Nov 7.

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the association between daily cases of hanging suicides and meteorological conditions in São Paulo, Brazil. We considered a retrospective observational study based on the analysis of all necroscopic medical-expert reports available in digital form from the central unit of the Instituto Médico Legal (Medical Legal Institute) of São Paulo between July 1, 2006 and June 31, 2007. The meteorological variables were combined via Principal Components Analysis. In order to explain their association with the frequency of suicides, Poisson regression models were employed. The analysis suggests that hotter and brighter days are associated with higher incidence of hanging suicides.

Keywords: Forensic psychiatry; Meteorological factors; Principal component analysis; Regression analysis; Suicide.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Asphyxia / mortality*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Neck Injuries / mortality*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Regression Analysis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sunlight*
  • Temperature*