Suicide in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The annual rate of suicide in Dubai between 1992 and 2000 was 6.2/100,000. There was a non- significant peak incidence in November while July recorded the lowest incidence. Fridays showed the lowest incidence with no significant difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. Victims were predominantly male expatriates with no significant difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. However, a significant increase in the number of non-Indian female expatriates was recorded. The majority of victims were of the age group 21-40 with a significant increase in teenaged females and teenaged citizens. Hanging was the commonest method for committing suicide. Females and non-Indian expatriates resorted significantly to jumping from a high and self-poisoning. The age of the victim had no effect on the choice of the method used to commit suicide. The majority of incidents took place in the victim's own house. A suicide note was left behind in 5% of cases. History of psychological illness or trauma was available in 9.7% of cases. In these cases, depressive illness and recent unemployment were the major triggers for suicidal impulse. A total of 27.7% of screened victims tested positive for alcohol and were predominantly males with no significant difference between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science Administration, Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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