Individual and community factors for railway suicide: a matched case–control study in Victoria, Australia

Too, Lay San; Spittal, Matthew J; Bugeja, Lyndal; McClure, Roderick John; Milner, Allison

doi:10.1007/s00127-016-1212-9

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 31 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…People diagnosed with mental illness are six times more likely to die by train suicide than those without mental illness (Too et al, 2016). Of the 428 train suicides analyzed in the study by Mishara and Bardon (2017), 77.3% of the ITS suffered from at least one major somatic or mental illness.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioral and location‐related antecedents of train suicides

Moritz

Nguyen

Jelinek

et al. 2023

Suicide & Life Threat Behav

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background In the European Union, over 2000 suicides on railway premises were reported in 2020. Identifying individuals' behavioral and location patterns just before they die or attempt to die by train suicide (ITS) is critical for effective prevention of suicides by train. We conducted a naturalistic study using a newly developed instrument for the assessment of fatalities in rail traffic that used information from on‐site video cameras. Methods A total of 56 case files and surveillance recordings of ITS prior to their suicide or suicide attempt were compared to 46 surveillance recordings of matched regular train passengers (RTP) before they boarded their trains. Groups were compared on individuals' behavior as well as location and contextual parameters. Results ITS performed unusual movement patterns more frequently, carried luggage less often, stayed on the platform longer, and let more trains pass relative to RTP. Conclusions If this study is replicated with a larger sample, artificial intelligence could be used to detect suspicious/unusual (movement) patterns in order to prevent train suicide. Social awareness campaigns that foster the identification of people in distress at train stations in combination with lower thresholds for the use of emergency devices on platforms may help to detect potential train suicides and reduce their incidence.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioral and location‐related antecedents of train suicides

Moritz

Nguyen

Jelinek

et al. 2023

Suicide & Life Threat Behav

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Some researchers have described demographic risk factors of railway suicide [ 4 , 23 , 24 ], explored individual motivations for railway suicide in victims and attempters [ 7 , 10 , 25 ], identified characteristics of railway suicide locations [ 14 , 16 ] and emphasized the importance of safety measures [ 17 , 26 , 27 ]. However, to inform a multilevel prevention strategy, more knowledge is required about psychosocial and precipitating risk factors of railway suicide.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors of railway suicide: a mixed-methods study combining data of all suicide decedents in the Netherlands with data from a psychosocial autopsy study

Balt,

Mérelle,

Popma

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Railway suicide has profound implications for the victims and their family, and affects train drivers, railway personnel, emergency services and witnesses. To inform a multilevel prevention strategy, more knowledge is required about psychosocial and precipitating risk factors of railway suicide. Methods Data from Statistics Netherlands of all suicides between 2017 and 2021 (n = 9.241) of whom 986 died by railway suicide and interview data from a psychosocial autopsy of railway suicide decedents (n = 39) were integrated. We performed logistic regression analyses to identify sociodemographic predictors of railway suicide compared to other methods of suicide. The Constant Comparative Method was subsequently employed on interview data from the psychosocial autopsy to identify patterns in psychosocial risk factors for railway suicide. Results The strongest predictors of railway suicide compared to other suicide methods were young age (< 30 years old), native Dutch, a high educational level, living in a multi-person household (especially living with parents or in an institution), living in a rural area and a high annual household income of > 150.000 euros. Several subgroups emerged in the psychosocial autopsy interviews, which specifically reflect populations at risk of railway suicide. These subgroups were [1] young adult males with autism spectrum disorder who strived for more autonomy and an independent life, [2] young adult females with persistent suicidal thoughts and behaviours, [3] middle-aged males with a persistent mood disorder who lived with family and who faced stressors proximal to the suicide in personal and professional settings, [4] male out-of-the-blue suicides and [5] persons with psychotic symptoms and a rapid deterioration. Conclusions based on our findings we propose and discuss several recommendations to prevent railway suicide. We must continue to invest in a safe railway environment by training personnel and installing barriers. Additionally, we should adopt prevention strategies that align the needs of subgroups at increased risk, including young females who have attempted other methods of suicide and young males with autism spectrum disorder. Future research should determine the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of low-maintenance, automated interventions near crossings and psychiatric facilities.

show abstract

“…Suicide ‘hotspots’ – frequently used locations that provide the means or privacy for suicide – can gain notoriety and thus attract more individuals. Approximately 30% of suicides occur in public locations ( Owens et al, 2009 ; Too et al, 2016 ), and suicides at these locations can adversely affect bystanders and the local community ( Pirkis et al, 2015 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding and detecting behaviours prior to a suicide attempt: A mixed-methods study

Onie

Glastonbury

et al. 2023

Aust N Z J Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: Prior research suggests there are observable behaviours preceding suicide attempts in public places. However, there are currently no ways to continually monitor such sites, limiting the potential to intervene. In this mixed-methods study, we examined the acceptability and feasibility of using an automated computer system to identify crisis behaviours. Methods: First, we conducted a large-scale acceptability survey to assess public perceptions on research using closed-circuit television and artificial intelligence for suicide prevention. Second, we identified crisis behaviours at a frequently used cliff location by manual structured analysis of closed-circuit television footage. Third, we configured a computer vision algorithm to identify crisis behaviours and evaluated its sensitivity and specificity using test footage. Results: Overall, attitudes were positive towards research using closed-circuit television and artificial intelligence for suicide prevention, including among those with lived experience. The second study revealed that there are identifiable behaviours, including repetitive pacing and an extended stay. Finally, the automated behaviour recognition algorithm was able to correctly identify 80% of acted crisis clips and correctly reject 90% of acted non-crisis clips. Conclusion: The results suggest that using computer vision to detect behaviours preceding suicide is feasible and well accepted by the community and may be a feasible method of initiating human contact during a crisis.

show abstract

Individual and community factors for railway suicide: a matched case–control study in Victoria, Australia

Cited by 4 publications

References 31 publications

Behavioral and location‐related antecedents of train suicides

Behavioral and location‐related antecedents of train suicides

Sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors of railway suicide: a mixed-methods study combining data of all suicide decedents in the Netherlands with data from a psychosocial autopsy study

Understanding and detecting behaviours prior to a suicide attempt: A mixed-methods study

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About