Adolescent and children suicides in Turkey: Analysis of data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (2002-2022)

Abstract

Suicides in children and adolescents have different characteristics from other age groups because of their unique physical and psychosocial dynamics. Having more information on childhood and adolescent suicides and knowing their characteristics will lead to the development of prevention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate demographic characteristics, suicide methods, and causes of suicides in individuals aged <19 years using 2002 and 2022 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute. Of 1746 suicide cases, 813 (46.6 %) were recorded in male teens and 933 (53.4 %) in female teens aged <15 years. Of 7698 suicide cases, 4041 (52.5 %) were reported in male teens and 3657 (47.5 %) in female teens aged 15-19 years. Family incompatibility was the most common cause of suicides in children and adolescents. The most common suicide method was hanging. Population data show a decreasing trend, particularly in developed and developing countries, among children and adolescents. Therefore, suicide is an important problem in children and adolescents, who constitute a critical dynamic population for the socioeconomic future of societies.

Keywords: Adolescent; Children; Suicide; Suicide causes; Suicide methods; Turkey.