[Effects of bioclimatology on suicides].
OBJECTIVE
To verify the influence of the weather on suicides.


METHODS
A retrospective descriptive study.


METHODS
County of Cartagena.


METHODS
All the suicides recorded in the Anatomical Forensic Institute of Cartagena between 1986 and 1993.


METHODS
Creation of a data base with the essential features of each suicide and all the relevant bioclimatological variables of the exact moment they happen.


RESULTS
A statistical description of each variable was made. The relationship between the different variables was defined by the Pearson chi 2 test and residual analysis. The sample data were compared with the population data (Neyman-Pearson and Pearson chi 2 tests), p < 0.05. 149 suicides were recorded. These suicides occur during the day, Monday and Saturday being the days with the highest number of them. Distribution throughout the month was homogeneous: July was the month with most suicides. There was an age band in the second and third decades of life and a peak in elderly people. Our sample had 77.9% men. Retired people and housewives predominated.


CONCLUSIONS
Suicides are generally influenced by meteorological factors.
Gómez González
M J
MJ
Centro de Salud La Unión, Murcia.
Alonso García
C
C
Piñana López
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002980:Climate; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014887:Weather