Analyses of Suicidal Deaths With Shotguns in Istanbul, 1998-2007

This study examined firearm suicides in Istanbul, occuring during 1998-2007. 36,971 autopsy reports were retrospectively reviewed. 73 suicides by shotgun were evaluated. 46 victims were male & 27 were female. Most victims were between 16-20 years. The majority of suicides occurred in the home & a suicide note was recovered in 7 cases. Ethyl alcohol was detected in 17.8 percent of cases. It is concluded educational efforts shold be directed to early & late adolescents & their parents & that psychological support centres should also be founded in an effort to prevent these suicides. (45 refs.) JA