Suicidal Behaviour in Nursing Homes: a Survey in a Region of North-East Italy

Suicide & attempted suicide rates & their characteristics were assessed among residents of nursing homes in the Veneto region of north-east Italy. Structured interviews were completed with nursing home managers in 2001. In the study period, 5 suicides & eight suicide attempts wre reported. All but one of the suicides & one of the attempters had a history of mental disorders. 7 subjects had been living in a nursing home for less than one year. Behavioural control, lack of access to means, & medical supervision does not seem to have protected the nursing home residents from the risk of suicide. (19 refs.)