Suicide Prevalence in Kosova for the Period 2007-2008

Abstract

Kosovo as a newer state, characterized with political, economical and cultural transition is touched by suicide phenomenon. Aim of this survey is to analyze prevalence of suicide in Kosova for period 2000-2008 and in particular for 2007-2008. Methodology - Survey is retrospective one and data were taken from Statistical Office of Kosova and Kosovar Police Service report. Cases are analysed due to demographic characteristics as sex, age group, years, dwelling place, months, week days and methods of suicides. Results - After the war there is an increase of suicides as it is presented with basic index. For year 2000, there is an increase of 122% compared with cases on 1983, then the highest increase is for 2001 with 711.1%. After 2005 there is a slight decrease of suicides with trend of y=58-8X. Due to sex, suicides are significantly higher at males than females for both years, with 78.9% for 2007 and 74.5% for 2008. The highest number of suicides is found at age groups 21-30 and 31- 40 years with 21.1% for 2007 and 21-30 and 41-50 years with 25.5% for 2008. Average age for suicide victims is 42 years for 2007 and 44 years for 2008. Suicides are more frequent at rural places but not significantly. Greatest percentage of suicides was on July with 21.1% for 2007 and June and October with 15.7% for 2008. On 2007 the highest percentage of suicides was on Wednesdays with 21.1% and on 2008 was on Tuesdays with 19.6%. Due to the time of day, the most frequent time for suicides was 16-18.00 for 2007 and for 2008 the greatest percentage of suicide is on unknown time with 27.5%. The most frequent method of suicide was hanging for both years, with 64.9% for 2007, and 52.9% for 2008, fire arm with 14% for 2007 and 21.6% for 2008 and poisoning with 5.3% for 2007 and 11.8% for 2008. Suicides are most frequent at rural places but not significantly. Conclusion - Suicides due to sex are significantly higher in males than females in all age groups. Average age of suicide victims is rising from 42 years for 2007 to 44 years for 2008. Suicides are more frequent at rural places and the greatest percentage of suicides due to months was on July for 2007 and June and October for 2008, on Wednesdays for 2007 and Tuesdays for 2008. Proposed measures - Suicides are consequence of socioeconomic, psychological and political problems as unemployment and poverty. For challenging suicide phenomenon there is a need for multi-sectoral approach involving health and non health sector as politics, labor, education and media.

Suicide Prevalence in Kosova for the Period 2007-2008

Valbona Zhjeqi1, Naser Ramadani1, Sanie Gashi1, Sefedin Mucaj1, Merita Berisha1, Luljeta Neziri2, Shaip Krasniqi2, Mimoza Shahini2

1National Institute of Public Health of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosova

2University Clinical Center of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosova

RESEARCH PAPERSUMMARYKosovo as a newer state, characterized with political, economical and cultural transition is touched by suicide phenomenon.

Aim of this survey is to analyze prevalenceof suicide in Kosova for period 2000-2008 and in particular for 2007-2008. Methodology - Survey is retrospective one and data were taken from Statistical Office of Kosova and Kosovar Police Service report. Cases are analysed due to demographic characteristics as sex, age group, years, dwelling place, months, week days and methods of suicides. Results - After the war there is an increase of suicides as it is presented with basic index. For year 2000, there is an increase of 122% compared with cases on 1983, then the highest increase is for 2001 with 711.1%. After 2005 there is a slight decrease of suicides with trend of y=58-8X. Due to sex, suicides are signicantly higher at males than females for both years, with 78.9% for 2007 and 74.5% for 2008. The highest number of suicides is found at age groups 21-30 and 31-40 years with 21.1% for 2007 and 21-30 and 41-50 years with 25.5% for 2008. Average age for suicide victims is 42 years for 2007 and 44 years for 2008. Suicides are more frequent at rural places but not signicantly. Greatest percentage of suicides was on July

with 21.1% for 2007 and June and October with 15.7% for 2008. On 2007 the highest percentage of suicides was on Wednesdays with 21.1% and on 2008 was on Tuesdays with 19.6%. Due to the time of day, the most frequent time for suicides was 16-18.00 for 2007 and for 2008 the greatest percentage of suicide is on unknown time with 27.5%. The most frequent method of suicide was hanging for both years, with 64.9% for 2007, and 52.9% for 2008, re arm with 14% for 2007 and 21.6% for 2008 and poisoning with 5.3% for 2007 and 11.8% for 2008. Suicides are most frequent at rural places but not signicantly. Conclusion - Suicides due to sex are signicantly higher in males than females in all age groups. Average age of suicide victims is rising from 42 years for 2007 to 44 years for 2008. Suicides are more frequent at rural places and the greatest percentage of suicides due to months was on July for 2007 and June and October for 2008, on Wednesdays for 2007 and Tuesdays for 2008. Proposed measures - Suicides are consequence of socioeconomic, psychological and political problems as unemployment and poverty. For challenging suicide phenomenon there is a need for multi-sectoral approach involving health and non health sector as politics, labor, education and media.

Keywords: suicide, prevalence, Kosova.

1. INTRODUCTION

According to WHO, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide for the last 50 years. Over one million people commit suicide and 10 to 20 million commit suicide attempt, every year worldwide. (1, 2)

China, India and Japan may account for 40% of all world suicides (3). Iin Europe, Britain has the highest suicide rates. Worldwide, the main reasons for committing suicide are depression and substance abuse with more than 90% of all causes of suicide. Also very often reasons are nancial, familial and individual crisis situations. (1)

Kosovo as a newest country, char-

acterized with political, economical and cultural transition is touched also by suicide phenomenon. Suicide was rare phenomenon before, but now it is well-known public health problem as it is for all countries in social, economic, cultural and political transition. Kosovar population had survived violence, physical and psychological pressure. Poverty, socioeconomic status due to unemployment is among the frequent reasons for committing suicides. Currently Kosovo is on the fringe of Europe. Despite its affluence with natural resources Kosovo is dealing with poverty resulted by unemployment and failures of health system to improve the wellbe-

ing of population in systematic and sustainable way.

Urbanization in Kosovo has started since 70s, but both parallel systems, and then also the conict, have harmed further more the economical situation and thus development and prosperity of civil society in Kosovo has been frozen. After the war, basic infrastructure has been reconstructed, over 50.000 houses have been renovated, health institutions and schools have been reconstructed, and about 1400 km of roads have been rehabilitated. Agricultural productions have increased a lot; nevertheless Kosovo society still continues facing with poverty and indigence as these are key elements for wellbeing of the population.

Gender inequality is obvious in favor of male, as it belongs to the level of unemployment (60:33), incomes (4:1), participation in labor (68%:30%) and analphabetism (3:1), decision making positions (78:22)% (5,4) and in GDI (0.707) is ranged at the bottom in the list of countries with average development.(4)

Due to the World Bank report on Poverty assessment for 2007, about 45% of the population is poor, 15% extremely poor with another 18% vulnerable to poverty. These poverty rates are very high compared to neighboring countries. (5) It is known that poverty and related problems for population wellbeing indirectly inuence the suicide rate through circulus vicious by lower incomes, lower education, lower health status, the lowest average-age of 68.8 years.

In a lack of any big study of depression in Kosovo, it is very indicative hypothesis that depression is mostly caused by nancial problems due to great unemployment rate. Due to Plat, suicide rates are always higher among the unemployed than among the em-

44

MED ARH 2010; 64(1) PROFESSIONAL PAPERS

cases for 2002. After 2005 there is a slight decrease of suicides with trend of y=58-8X.

Dynamic indexes of suicides in Kosova during 1983-87 and 2000-2008

Table 1

20 07 200 8

N % N % 57 1 00 51 10 0

M a le 45 78.9 3 8 74.5 F em ale 12 21.1 1 3 25.5

T o ta l 57 1 00.0 5 1 1 00.0 X 2,

F D = 1 <

1 7

M o d a lity

Suicide Prevalence in Kosova for the Period 2007-2008

S e x

p

Graph1. Suicide prevalence in Kosova, (1983-1987, 2000-2008)

80

< 0 .0 1 p < 0.01

2

3.5 2 3.9

73

y = 4x + 10.9

70

4

7.0 1 2.0

63 66

55 60 57 51

2

60

21.1 1 3 25.5

2

50

21.1 5 9.8

52

6

40

10.5 1 3 25.5

6

30

10.5 5 9.8

4

20

7.0 5 9.8

20 19

49

6

10

20 10.5 4 7.8

9 - 1 2.0

6

5 8.8 2 3.9

0

1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

4 2 44

Year

Suicides

Iv

Ib

1983

-2 0

-

100

1 8

1984

2 1

-3 0

9 222.2

222.2

1

1985

30.0

66.7

1986

3 1

20

-4 0

20 6 333.3

222.2

1

1987

4 1

19 -5 0

95.0

211.1

2000

5 1

-6 0

-

544.4

2001

49 149.0

811.1

2002

6 1

73 -7 0

71.2

577.8

2003

7 1

-8 0

52 121.2

700.0

2004

8 0

63 104.8

733.3

-

2005

A g e g ro u p

U n k

66 > n o w n

83.3

611.1

2006

55 109.1

666.7

2007

A v e

60 rag e U rb

51 a n

24 42 .1 21 41.2 R u ral 33 57 .9 30 58.8

X 2 p > 0 .0 5 p > 0.05

57

95.0

633.3

D w e llin g p lac e

T o ta l

2008

89.5

566.7

Table2

Table 1. Dynamic indexes of suicides in Kosova during 1983-87 and 2000-2008

20 07 200 8

N % N % 57 1 00 51 10 0

45 78.9 3 8 74.5 12 21.1 1 3 25.5 57 1 00.0 5 1 1 00.0

2 3.5 2 3.9 4 7.0 1 2.0 12 21.1 1 3 25.5 12 21.1 5 9.8

6 10.5 1 3 25.5 6 10.5 5 9.8 4 7

.0 5 9.8 6 10

.5 4 7.8 - -

1 2.0 5 8

.8 2 3.9

24 42 .1

21 41.2

33 57 .9

30 58.8 p > 0 .0 5

p > 0.05

4 2

In particular are analyzed suicides for period 2007 - 2008.

Suicides due to sex are significantly higher at males than females for both years, with 78.9% for

2007 and 74.5% for 2008. (table2& graph2), similar with most other countries where suicide rates

are higher in males than in females. (8) In Australia, male suicide rate was four times higher

than that of females (9). China is the only country in the world where more women than men take

their own lives, with female suicides representing 58 percent of the total.

The highest number of suicides is found at age groups 21-30 and 31-40 years with 21.1% for 2007

and

21-30 and 41-50 years with 25.5% for

2008. (table2). Average age for suicide victims is 42

years

for 2007 and 44 years for 2008. Globally,

suicide rate is thrice as common in people above

60 as in the 15-29 age groups. (10)

Suicides are more frequent at rural places but not significantly and very similar with study by Ping

Qin, which confirms that people living in more urbanized areas are at a higher risk of suicide (11)

Recent findings suggest that suicide increases with rurality (12) Due to Zacharakis, rural suicide

rates were twice as high as urban rates. (13)

Graf 1 Graph 2

p < 0 .0 1 p < 0.01

ployed. The aggregate longitudinal analyses found a signicant positive association between unemployment and suicide in the United States of America and some European countries. (6)

World Bank report on Poverty and Development, stresses that from 60000 interviewed poor people identied that poverty causes frustration, alienation and, humiliation.(7)

2. AIM

Aim of this survey is to analyze prevalence of suicides in Kosova from 1983 and in particularr for for 2007-2008.

3. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

Survey is retrospective one and data were taken from Statistical Office of Kosova for years 1983-1987 and Kosovar Police Service report, for 2000-2008. Cases are analysed due to demographic characteristics as sex, age group, years, dwelling place, months, week days and methods of suicides. From statistical parameters we have

presented relativ measures and statistical tests as Hi square test for p<0.05 dhe p<0.01.

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Suicide phenomenon in Kosovo is presented for a period 1983-1987 and 2000-2008. It has rising trend with variabile oscilacions due to social and cultural characteristics of the Kosovar people and transition of Kosovar family from extended to smaller one, change of values, gender relations and changes in lifestyle.Even, there is an idea that this number can be higher because of stigma and families prefer not to report the cases.

After the war there is an increase of suicides as it is presented with basic in-

dex. For 2000 year, there is an increase of 122% compared with cases on 1983, then the highest increasement is for 2001 with 711.1%. For this period highest number is on 2001 with 73 cases and minimal cases in 1983 with 9 cases (Table 1 & Graph1). After 2005, there is a decrease in suicide number.

Verig index showes greater increase of phenomenon in comparison with previous year 1986 with 333.3% and 1984 with 222.2%.

For 2000 year there were reported 49 suicides, for 2001, 73 cases and then again decrease to 52 cases for 2002. After 2005 there is a slight decrease of suicides with trend of y=58-8X.

In particular are analyzed suicides for period 20072008.

Suicides due to sex are signicantly higher at males than females for both years, with 78.9% for 2007 and 74.5% for 2008. (Table 2& Graph 2), similar with most other countries where suicide rates are higher in males than in females. (8) In Australia, male suicide rate was four times higher than that of females (9). China is the only country in the world where more women than men take their own lives, with female suicides representing 58 percent of the total.

4

Suicides in Kosova, due to sex and year (2007-2008)

Table2

Structure of suicides in Kosovo due to dwelling place and year, 2007 and 2008

57.9 58.8

42.1 41.2

0.0

20 07 200 8

p < 0 .0 1 p < 0.01

120.0

Male

Female

N % N % 57 1 00 51 10 0

M a le 45 78.9 3 8 74.5 F em ale 12 21.1 1 3 25.5

T o ta l 57 1 00.0 5 1 1 00.0 X 2, F D = 1

< 1 7 2 3.5 2 3.9 1 8-2 0 4 7.0 1 2.0 2 1-3 0 12 21.1 1 3 25.5 3 1-4 0 12 21.1 5 9.8 4 1-5 0 6 10.5 1 3 25.5 5 1-6 0 6 10.5 5 9.8 6 1-7 0 4 7.0 5 9.8 7 1-8 0 6 10.5 4 7.8 > 8 0 - - 1 2.0 U n kn o w n 5 8.8 2 3.9 A v erag eU rb a n 24 42 .1 21 41.2R u ral 33 57 .9 30 58.8

X 2 p > 0 .0 5 p > 0.05

100.0

M o d a lity

78.9 74.5

21.1 25.5

100.0

Rural

Urban

80.0

80.0

60.0

44

%

60.0

%

40.0

S e x

40.0

20.0

20.0

0.0

2007 2008

year

2007 2008

Graph 2

Graph 1. Suicides in Kosova due to sex and year 2007-20078

Graph 3

Structure of suicides in Kosovo due to dwelling place and year, 2007 and 2008

Male

Female

120.0

Suicide in Kosova due to age group and year, 2007-2008.

25.5

25.5

21.1 21.1

100.0

Rural

Urban

A g e g ro u p

74.5

4 2 44

2007

2008

Table2

80.0

30.0

57.9

58.8

D w e llin g p lac e

T o ta l

20.0

%

60.0

20 07 200 8

p < 0 .0 1 p < 0.01

25.5

%

40.0

20.0

N % N % 57 1 00 51 10 0

M a le 45

78.9 3 8

10.0

42.1 41.2

0.0

M o d a lity

0.0

74.5

F em ale 12

21.1 1 3

25.5

2008

2007 2008

<17 18-20

21-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61-70

71-80

Graf 1

>80 Unknown

T o ta l 57

1 00.0

Graph 2

Grpah 2. Structire of suicides in Kosova due to dwelling place and year, 2007-20078

1 00.0 5 1

Graph 3

age group

S e x

Suicides in Kosova, due to sex and year (2007-2008)

Suicide in Kosova due to age group and year, 2007-2008.

25.5 25.5

21.1

31-40

2007 2008

120.0

Male

Female

78.9 74.5

21.1 25.5

X 2, F D = 1

< 1 7 2 3.5 2 3.9 1 8-2 0 4 7.0 1 2.0 2 1-3 0 12 21.1 1 3 25.5 3 1-4 0 12 21.1 5 9.8 4 1-5 0 6 10.5 1 3 25.5 5 1-6 0 6 10.5 5 9.8 6 1-7 0 4 7.0 5 9.8 7 1-8 0 6 10.5 4 7.8 > 8 0 - - 1 2.0 U n kn o w n 5 8.8 2 3.9 A v erag eU rb a n 24 42 .1 21 41.2R u ral 33 57 .9 30 58.8

X 2 p > 0 .0 5 p > 0.05

Structure of suicides in Kosovo due to dwelling place and year, 2007 and 2008

57.9 58.8

42.1 41.2

0.0

100.0

100.0

Rural

Urban

80.0

41-50

51-60

61-70

71-80

>80

Unknown

80.0

60.0

%

60.0

%

age group

40.0

40.0

5

A g e g ro u p

20.0

20.0

0.0

4 2 44

2007 2008

D w e llin g p lac e

T o ta l

2007 2008

year

5

Graph 3

Table 2. Sex, age group and dwelling place data

Graf 1 Graph 2

Suicide in Kosova due to age group and year, 2007-2008.

25.5 25.5

21.1 21.1

2007

2008

30.0

20.0

Suicides in Kosova, due to sex and year (2007-2008)

%

10.0

0.0

<17 18-20

21-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61-70

71-80

Structure of suicides in Kosovo due to dwelling place and year, 2007 and 2008

120.0

>80 Unknown

100.0

Male

Female

age group

100.0

Graph 3. Suicide in Kosova due to age group and year, 2007-2008

78.9 74.5

21.1 25.5

80.0

80.0

60.0

%

40.0

57.9 58.8

42.1

41.2

0.0

%

60.0

40.0

20.0

MED ARH 2010; 64(1) PROFESSIONAL PAPERS

20.0

45

0.0

2007 2008

year

2007

2008

Graph 4 Graph 5

with 35.1% and for 2008 on second trimester with 37.3 %.( table3& graph4).

Analyzing distribution of suicides among months, the greatest percentage of suicides was on July with 21.1% for 2007 and June and October with 15.7% for 2008. (Table 3 & graph 5)most frequent method of suicide was hanging for both years with 64.9% for 2007, and 52.9% 2008. Hanging as lethal method has increased, and is the most common method of suicide commitment in many countries as Lithuania, Greece and other countries also

( 10,13,14)

After hanging, come suicides

with

fire arm

with 14%

for 2007

and

21.6% for

2008 and poisoning

with 5.3% for 2007 and 11.8% for 2008. (Table 3 & graph 6)

Graph 6

Suicide Prevalence in Kosova for the Period 2007-2008

Suicides in Kosova due to thrimester and year

Suicides in Kosova, 2007-2008 due to months

Structure of suicides due to methods, Kosova, 2007-2008

15

I

70.0

XII

II

2008

2007

64.9

2007

2008

60.0

10

XI 52.9

III

III

35.1

50.0

5

37.3

40.0

X

0

IV

I

%

Hong Kong jumping and

hanging

were

the most

common

methods

of

30.0

21.6

suicide, accounting for more than 80% of all suicide deaths, until in England and Waless suicide by jumping accounts for 5% of suicides. Until in Australia poisoning (including gas poisoning) was the most prevalent used method for suicides. (14, 15, 16, 17)

Table 3

20.0

IX

15.8

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0

14.0

V 11.8

7.8

10.0

5.3

5.9 7.8

%

VIII

VI

0.0

VII

2007 2008

Hanging Fire-arm Poisoning Jumping dow n

Cutting vene Unspecified

Graph 4. Suicide in Kosova due to trimester and year

Graph 6. Structure of suicides due to methods

For year 2007, on average each day were 8 suicides and for 2008 highest percentage of suicides was on Wednesdays19.6%.

Due to the time of day, the most frequent time was 16-18.00 for percentage is unknown time with 27.5 %.( table 4& graph 7)

Graph 6

M o d a lity T o ta l

20 07 200 8

N % N % 57 1 00 51 10 0

I 18

31.6 1 0

19.6

Structure of suicides due

to methods, Kosova, 2007-2008

21.6

II 15

26.3 1 9

37.3

III 20

35.1 1 3

25.5

IV 4

7.0 9

17.6

70.0

T h rim e ste r

64.9

X , F D = 3

J an u ary 9

15.8 2

p> 0.0 5 p> 0.05

2007

2008

60.0

3.9

52.9

F e b ru ary 5

8.8 4

7.8

50.0

M a rch 4

7.0 4

7.8

A p ril 5

8.8 4

7.8

40.0

M ay 7

12.3 7

13.7

%

Ju n e 3

5.3 8

15.7

30.0

Ju ly 12

21.1 5

9.8

A u g u st 4

7.0 4

7.8

20.0

S ep tem b er 4

15.8

14.0

7.0 4

O cto b e r 1

11.8

7.8

1.8 8

15.7

7.8

10.0

5.3

5.9 7.8

N o vem b er 1

1.8 0

0.0

M o n th

D e cem b er 2

3.5 1

2.0

0.0

H a n g in g 37

64.9 2 7

52.9

Hanging Fire-arm Poisoning

F ire-a rm 8

Jumping dow n

Cutting vene

14.0 1 1

Unspecified

21.6

P o is o n in g 3

5.3 6

11.8

Ju m p in g d o w n -

- 3

5.9

M eth o d

U n s p ecified 9

15.8 4

7.8

For year 2007, on average each day were 8 suicides and for 2008 were 7 suicides. On 2007 the highest percentage of suicides was on Wednesdays with 21.1% and on 2008 was on Tuesdays with 19.6%.

Due to the time of

15 day, the most frequent time was 16-18.00 for 2007 and for 2008 the greatest percentage is unknown time with 27.5 %.( table 4& graph 7)

Table 3. Data on trimester, month and method

Graph 4 Graph 5

The highest number of suicides is found at age groups 21-30 and 31-40 years with 21.1% for 2007 and 21-30 and 41-50 years with 25.5% for 2008. (Table

2). Average age for suicide victims is 42 years for 2007 and 44 years for 2008. Globally, suicide rate is thrice as common in people above 60 as in the 15-29 age groups. (10)

Suicides are more frequent at rural places but not signicantly and very similar with study by Ping Qin, which conrms that people living in more urbanized areas are at a higher risk of suicide (11)

Recent ndings suggest that suicide increases with rurality (12) Due to Zacharakis, rural suicide rates were twice as high as urban rates. (13)

Due to trimesters, there is no significance; even the greatest percentage for 2007 was on third one, with 35.1% and for 2008 on second trimester with 37.3 %.(Table 3 & Graph 4).

Analyzing distribution of suicides among months, the greatest percentage of suicides was on July with 21.1% for 2007 and June and October with 15.7% for 2008. (Table 3 & graph 5)

The most frequent method of suicide was hanging for both years with 64.9% for 2007, and 52.9% for 2008. Hanging as lethal method has increased, and is the most common method of suicide commitment in many countries as Lithuania, Greece and other countries also (10,13,14)

After hanging, come suicides with re arm with 14% for 2007 and 21.6% for 2008 and poisoningwith 5.3% for 2007 and 11.8% for 2008. (Table 3 & Graph 6)

I n H o n g Ko n g jumping and hanging were the most common methods of suicide, accounting for more than 80% of all suicide deaths, until in England and Waless suicide by jumping accounts for 5% of suicides. Until in Australia poisoning (including gas poisoning) was the most prevalent used method for suicides. (14, 15, 16, 17)

For year 2007, on average each day were 8 suicides and for 2008 were 7 suicides. On 2007 the highest percentage of suicides was on Wednesdays with 21.1% and on 2008 was on Tuesdays with 19.6%.

Due to the time of day, the most frequent time was 16-18.00 for 2007 and for 2008 the greatest percentage is unknown time with 27.5 %.(Table 4 & Graph 7)

5. CONCLUSION

Suicides due to sex are signicantly higher at males than females for both years. Average age of suicide victims is rising from 42 years for 2007 to 44 years for 2008. Suicides are more frequent at rural places and the greatest percentage of suicides due to months was on July for 2007 and June and October for 2008, on Wednesdays for 2007 and Tuesdays for 2008. The most frequent method was by hanging and rearm.

6. PROPOSED MEASURES

Suicides are consequence of socioeconomic, psychological and political problems as unemployment and pov-

Suicides in Kosova, 2007-2008 due to months

0

I

XII

II

2008

2007

10

III

6

35.1

5

37.3

X

XI

IV

35.0 40.0

IX

V

Table 4

VIII

VI

VII

2007 2008

Modality Total

2007 2008

N % N % 57 100 51 100

Monday 13

Graph 5. Suicides in Kosova due to months 2007-2008

22.8

7

13.7

Tuesday 5

8.8

10

19.6

Wensday 12

21.1

7

13.7

Sunday

Week

-Day

Thursday 9

15.8

9

17.6

Friday 7

12.3

5

9.8

Saturday

Saturday 8

14.0

6

11.8

Sunday 3

5.3

7

13.7

2007

2008

8 7

Friday

X bar00-02 2

3.5

2

3.9

02-04 1

1.8

1

2.0

Thursday

04-06 2

3.5

1

2.0

06-08 9

15.8

5

9.8

08-10 1

1.8

4

7.8

Wensday

10-12 5

8.8

7

6

11.8

Time

12-14 1

1.8

5

9.8

15.8

7.8

Tuesday

14-16 5

8.8

4

7.8

16-18 11

19.3

4

7.8

18-20 4

7.0

3

5.9

Monday

20-22 4

7.0

2

3.9

Unspecified

22-00 3

5.3

0

0.0

Unknown 9

15.8

14

27.5

and for 2008 were 7 suicides. On 2007 the

with 21.1% and on 2008 was on Tuesdays with

Table 4. Week-day and time data

46

MED ARH 2010; 64(1) PROFESSIONAL PAPERS

Conclusion

Suicides due to sex are significantly higher at males than suicide victims is rising from 42 years for 2007 torural places and the greatest percentage of suicides due

Table 4 Graph 7

Suicide Prevalence in Kosova for the Period 2007-2008

% 100

13.719.613.717.69.811.813.7

3.92.02.09.87.811.89.87.87.85.93.90.027.5

graph 7. Suicide in Kosovo due to day-week and year

Suicides in Kosovo due to dayweek and year, (2007 -2008)

Sunday

2008

2007

Saturday

Friday

Thursday

Wensday

Tuesday

19.6

22.8

Monday

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

%

tal Health. World Health Organization. February 16, 2006. http://www.who.int/ mental_health/prevention/ suicide/suicideprevent/en/.3. WHO Statement: World Suicide Prevention Day 2008. World Health Organization. 2008. http://www. who.int/entit y/mental_ health/prevention/suicide/ wspd_2008_statement.pdf.4. World Bank, Report No. 32624-XK, Kosovo. Public Expenditure and Institutional Review, Volume I, September, 2006: 95-6.5. World Bank, Report No 39737-XK, Kosovo Poverty Assessment, Volume I: Accelerating Inclusive Growth to Reduce Widespread Poverty, October 3, 2007.6. European Communities, The State of Mental Health in the European Union, 2004: 25-34.

7. The World Bank Group: Poverty Reduction and Economic Management/ Human Development/ Development Economics, May 2001.

8. Hawton K. Gender dierences in suicidal behavior The British Journal of Psychiatry, 2000; 177: =84-4854.

9. Yip PS.Suicides in Hong Kong and Australia.

10. Petrauskiene J, Kalediene R, Starkuviene S. Methods of suicides in Lithua-

nia and their associations with demographic factors. Public Health, 2006 Aug; 20(8): 769-75.11. Ping Qin.Suicide risk in relation to level of urbanicitya population-based linkage studies International Journal of Epidemiology, 2005; 34: 84652.

12. Wilkinson KP, Israel GD.Suicide and rurality in urban society. Suicide Life Threat Behav, 1984; 14: 187-200.

13. Zacharakis CA, Madianos MG, Papadimitriou GN, Stefanis CN.Suicide in Greece 1980-1995:patterns and social factors. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatry Epidemiol, 1998; 33: 471-6.

14. Largey M, Christopher B, Stevenson M. A Study of Suicide Rates in Northern Ireland 19842002. Ulster Med J. SPAN, 2009 January; 78(1): 1620.

15. Platt S. Unemployment and suicidal behavior: a review of the literature. Soc. Sci Med, 1984; 19(2): 93-115.

16. Gunnell D, Nowers M. Suicide by jumping.Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, vol 96, Issue1, pg1-6.

17. Chew KS, McCleary R.The Spring peak in suicides: a cross-national analysis. Soc Sci Med, 1995; 40: 223-30.

18. Malla A, Hoenig J.Dierences in suicide rates: an examination of under-reporting Can J Psychiatry, 1983; 28: 291-3.

Corresponding author: Valbona Zhjeqi, MD. National Institute of Public Health,

Pristina, Republic of Kosova.

at males than females for both years. Average age of

44 years for 2008. Suicides are more frequent at of suicides due to months was on July for 2007 and June

2008. The most frequent method

erty so there is a need for multi-sectoral approach involving health and non health sector as politics, labor, education and media for rising awareness among population for early detecting of psychological disorders and improving wellbeing through increase of health culture.

REFERENCES

1. Bertolote JM, Fleischmann A. Suicide and psychiatric diagnosis: a worldwide perspective. World Psychiatry; October 2002; 1 (3): 1815.

2. Suicide prevention. WHO Sites: Men-

socioeconomic, psychological and political problems as

and media for rising awareness among population for and improving wellbeing through increase of health

. World Health Organization. February 16, 2006.

Prevention Day 2008. World Health Organization. 2008.

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