Characteristics of suicides by firearms – results of the analysis of police reports in Slovenia

Abstract Background Despite a decline in suicide rates in Slovenia, the mortality rate remains higher than the EU average. This study compared (i) selected sociodemographic characteristics of suicides by firearms in Slovenia vs. other methods (jumping form height, collision with train, drowning, poisoning with medication) and (ii) the suicides with legal vs. illegal firearms. Methods We analyzed 825 police reports on suicides (2012 - 2022), firearms accounted for 344 cases. Analyzed characteristics: age, gender, marital status, employment, mental health and alcohol related problems, health complaints, previous suicide attempts. We used chi-square tests to compare characteristics of firearm suicides with other methods and suicides by legal (N = 168) vs illegal firearms (N = 135). Results Compared to other methods, suicides by firearms were more common among men, older, married persons and pensioners and exhibited more alcohol related problems and other health complaints (p< .001). Interestingly mental health problems and previous suicide attempts were less present in suicides by firearms (p< .001). No differences between suicides by legal and illegal firearms were found other than in regards to previous suicide attempts (slightly more common in the case of illegal firearms, p = 0.050). The usage of legal firearms was related to certain occupational groups, i.e.. hunters, police officers. Conclusions The results of the study can be the basis for strategies towards restriction of firearms (e.g. legislative regulations) and more regulated handling with firearms in certain occupational groups. The association of firearm suicides with mental health rather than health complaints warrants further research. Key messages • Firearm access and certain sociodemographic characteristics are related to method choice. • The results call for continued efforts to restrict cognitive and physical access to firearms.