Meteorological Variables and Suicidal Behavior: Air Pollution and Apparent Temperature Are Associated With High-Lethality Suicide Attempts and Male Gender

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.653390
• Publication Date: 2021-03-05T05:48:00Z
• Authors: Andrea Aguglia; Gabriele Giacomini; Elisa Montagna; Andrea Amerio; Andrea Escelsior; Marco Capello; Laura Cutroneo; Gabriele Ferretti; Davide Scafidi; Alessandra Costanza; Gianluca Serafini; Mario Amore
• Keywords: Lethality; Suicidal Behavior

This study analyzed the impact of meteorological variables and high-lethality suicide attempts (HLSA) to assess a potential time shift HLSA affected by climate evolution predict attempt cases over different periods year. After attempting suicide, 225 subjects were admitted emergency ward IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino later psychiatric unit from March 2016 July 2018. Socio-demographic clinical characteristics as well collected. The Mann-Kendall test redundancy cross-correlation analyses performed analyze trends, statistically correlations, correspondence respectively between suicidal behaviors climatic factors. Sixty-seven (29.8%) committed HLSA. Our findings indicate significant association male gender apparent temperature with strong correlation 75% phase −1 month. Solar radiation air pollution (PM 2.5 ) have positive 65 32%, respectively, zero-time lag. Limitations include that data are limited single hospital; psychological factors, or other could be ruled out trigger not been considered. Meteorological may mirror patient is exposed due conditioning systems. Exploring those environmental factors associated in more detailed manner lead early intervention prevention strategies for such distressing admissions.