Investigation of suicide deaths in Artvin: a retrospective analysis of autopsy findings

Aims: Suicide is defined as an act committed by an individual deciding to end their own life.It is one of the leading causes of death.The aim of this study is to reveal the multidimensional structure of suicide deaths and to contribute to the development of policies for the prevention of suicide through analyzing the data on suicide deaths in Artvin. Methods:In this retrospective descriptive study, data from suicide cases autopsied by the Artvin Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate between 2016 and 2024 were analyzed.Only cases confirmed as suicides, as determined by a non-prosecution decision from the prosecutor's office or court, were included in the analysis.Cases currently under investigation for suspected suicides were excluded.The evaluation included age, gender, marital status, body mass index (BMI), time interval, season, location of the incident, suicide method, and medical history documented in electronic health records.Results: A total of 50 suicide cases were analyzed.The mean age was 52.919.6 years, and most of the participants were male (76%).The majority were married (68% of them) and in the 50-64 age group (34% of them).Based on BMI, 42% were overweight, 26% obese, and 6% morbidly obese.Firearms were the most common method (42%), followed by hanging (38%).Most suicides occurred at home or in annexes (62%), and during spring (32%) or summer (30%).Systemic disease was present in 73.5%, psychiatric disorders or medication use in 46.9%, and both in 34.7%.Significant differences were found for age, gender, marital status, oncological disease, and suicide method (p<0.05), while no associations were noted with BMI, location, season, time, or health history (p>0.05). Conclusions:This study examined suicide autopsies and showed that most cases involved middle-aged, married men.Suicides generally occurred at home during spring and summer, with firearms being the most commonly used method.Many cases had systemic or psychiatric illnesses and were overweight.