A Community-Based Study of Case Fatality Proportion Among Those who Carry out Suicide Acts

The case fatality proportion & associated factors in individuals carrying out suicide acts in Nantou, Taiwan were investigated. Data from 1171 suicide acts (973 deliberate self-harm, 198 suicides) occurring between July 2000-February 2003 were collected from a population suicide register. The overall case fatality proportion was 16.9%, with higher proportions in men & in those aged 65 & over. Only age & suicide method were found to be independently associated with the risk of fatality. Diminution of pesticide toxicity & control of access to pesticides are important considerations for suicide prevention in rural Taiwan. (23 refs.) JA