Predictors of using trains as a suicide method: Findings from Victoria, Australia. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Too, Lay San; Bugeja, Lyndal; Milner, Allison; McClure, Roderick; Spittal, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 253(2017)
• Page Start: 233
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Suicide -- Railway -- Railroads -- Australia; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.03.057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the choice of trains over other means of suicide. We performed a case-control study using data on all suicides in Victoria, Australia between 2009 and 2012. Cases were those who died by rail suicide and controls were those who died by suicide by any other means. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the choice of trains and a range of individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors. Individuals who were never married had double odds of using trains compared to individuals who were married. Those from areas with a higher proportion of people who travel to work by train also had greater odds of dying by railway suicide compared to those from areas with a relatively lower proportion of people who travel to work by train. Prevention efforts should consider limiting access to the railways and other evidence-based suicide prevention activities. Highlights: Persons who were single and those from areas with a high proportion of train commuters tended to use trains to suicide. Suicides by train were similar to suicides by other means in many characteristics. Prevention should combine efforts of limiting access to the railways with other individual- and community-level activities.