Citation

Roesler J. Minn. Med. 1997; 80(12): 45-47.

Affiliation

Minnesota Department of Health, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Minnesota Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9427821

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although child suicide is a relatively rare occurrence, it is a growing problem that warrants additional attention both in Minnesota and nationally. METHODOLOGY: We obtained mechanisms-of-death data coded from death certificates of Minnesota residents under age 15 who had committed suicide during the five-year period 1990 to 1994. In addition, we calculated three-year floating average annual rates for the years 1975 to 1993. RESULTS: A total of 37 children aged 5 to 14 committed suicide from 1990 to 1994, an annual rate of 1.1/100,000. In most cases, the child used a firearm. Three-year floating annual rates ranged from a low of 0.4/100,000 in the years 1980 and 1981, to a high of 1.4/100,000 in 1992 and 1993. DISCUSSION: Because child suicide is an infrequent event, little research has been done on prevention strategies. Our results suggest child suicide is increasing, and consequently, new prevention strategies should be explored.