Journal de médecine légale

Consummated Suicides among Barcelona’s (Spain) Residents According to the Territorial Distribution of Family Income and Population Density (2012-2014)

Abstract

Mercè Subirana-Domènech, Helena Martínez–Alcázar, Yobanka Toledo-Gallego

Introduction: The aim of this study is to present an overview of socio-economic inequalities in suicide mortality among neighbourhoods in Barcelona according to territorial distribution of family income and population density during the period ranging from 2012 to 2014.

Material and methods: 278 accomplished suicides were related to territorial distribution of family income and population density during the period ranging from 2012 to 2014. The rate of the territorial distribution of family income was less than 100 in the poorest neighbourhoods and more than 100 in wealthier neighbourhoods and the population average was 22.417 inhabitants according to our Council data.

Results: In the poorest neighbourhoods 169 suicides occurred (60.79%) and in the richest neighbourhoods 109 (39.21%) (p<0.03). According to neighbourhoods with lower than average population density, the number of suicides were 65, (23.38 %) higher than the average population density 213, (76.61%) (p<0.001). The coefficient correlation was 0.16 (highly correlated).

Conclusion: According to previous research, resources for suicide prevention should be targeted to high poverty/ deprivation areas, incorporating socio-economic disadvantage in prevention policy.