Completed Suicide Among Sinhalese in Sri Lanka: a Psychological Autopsy Study

Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of suicide. Important factors associated with suicide were determined via the psychological autopsy approach. Over a 3-month period, in a catchment area, 31 suicides among Sinhalese were identified & 27 were investigated. Males were more likely to die by suicide & alcohol abuse & domestic violence were reported as contributory factors. The authors found it possible to use psychological autopsy methods to obtain information which can inform planned prevention measures. (20 refs.)