Trends of juvenile and adolescent suicides in North Tunisia: a 12-year study

Patterns of Unnatural Deaths Among Children and Adolescents: Autopsy Study (2011-2018)

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Tunisian study to address all types of unnatural deaths in children. Previous articles discussing the epidemiological profile of head injuries in hospitalized children, 10 child homicide, 11,12 child suicide, 13 and even domestic accidents 14 have been published, but there are few studies to date that have raised the problem in a global context. In our study, 767 cases were retained with an overall average of 96 examined children/year, and a mortality rate of non-natural causes in children in northern Tunisia of 8.5 deaths/100,000 children/year.…”

“…13,43,44 Possibly, as a result, the suicide rate has steadily increased in the months following Bouazizi's suicide, especially among young adolescents. 13 The idea of suicide among children and young adolescents can be indeed nurtured through 3 sources: discussions with older children, the media, and the suicide of a member of their entourage. 33,46 The fact that the 6 suicidal acts occurring in the school were all by self-immolation (among many other means of suicide) suggests that this act is a means of transmitting messages and calling for help concerning inner suffering, school being the place where children learn about their rights and self-expressing.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Tunisian study to address all types of unnatural deaths in children. Previous articles discussing the epidemiological profile of head injuries in hospitalized children, 10 child homicide, 11,12 child suicide, 13 and even domestic accidents 14 have been published, but there are few studies to date that have raised the problem in a global context.…”

“…The same male predominance was also noticed in two other Northern Tunisia series studying homicides and suicides. 11,13 As raised by some authors, the reason for the dominance was explained by greater exposure of males to risk factors such as alcohol abuse, drugs, easier access to firearms and vehicles (cars, motorcycles), as well as greater involvement in the labor market via legal or illegal activities. 15,22 As such, their greater aggressive and inquisitive nature, impulsive behavior, and outdoor activities (like riding motorcycles) are more closely related to intense emotions and adventure, 21 which expose them more to danger and fatal outcomes.…”

“…This suicidal act was portrayed as a symbol of the struggle for social equity and response to humiliation, which was widely mediated as synonymous with freedom of expression, as well as a model for the vulnerable in the population. 13,43,44 Possibly, as a result, the suicide rate has steadily increased in the months following Bouazizi’s suicide, especially among young adolescents. 13 The idea of suicide among children and young adolescents can be indeed nurtured through 3 sources: discussions with older children, the media, and the suicide of a member of their entourage.…”