What was the Relevance of Previous Suicidal Behaviour in Prison Suicides?

In a total of 250 completed suicides in Austrian prisons between 1975 & 1990, the authors investigated 1) whether remarks indicating obvious suicidality documented by nonmedical prison staff were common before a suicide; & 2) whether these signs of suicidality led to increased suicide prevention efforts. Findings are briefly discussed. (6 refs)