Suicide in North and West Devon: a comparative study using Coroner's inquest records

To determine the local characteristics of suicides of North and West Devon residents, and to compare them with (a) individuals resident outside the defined area but killing themselves within it, and (b) suicides in the remainder of England and Wales, a retrospective descriptive three-year review of data from the Coroner's confidential inquest records was carried out. The subjects were all persons killing themselves within the Coroner's catchment area for North and West Devon between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 1990. It was found that persons resident outside the area (n=13) were significantly more likely to be male (p=0.007) and have a history of deliberate self-harm (p=0.03) than Devon residents (n=59). They were also younger (mean age 36.5 years, as opposed to 47.5 years). Comparing the Devon residents with the rest of England and Wales, they were significantly more likely to die violently (p=0.017); this was due to the increased likelihood of death from firearms (p=0.016), and to the decreased likelihood of death from hanging, strangulation or suffocation (p=0.02). This study highlights the influence that local factors have on the opportunity for suicide, such as isolated moorland where cars can be parked (13/72 deaths), or a high bridge over a road and river (3/72 deaths) and the ready availability of guns in a predominantly rural community (8/72 deaths). In addition, the local Coroner's verdict is an important influence on the suicide rate. The characteristics of non-residents of North and West Devon who subsequently kill themselves are important in the light of recent statistics showing an increasing rate of suicide in young men. The use of Coroners' inquest data can provide public health medicine with a unique picture of suicide occurring within a community, which is important if the Health of the Nation targets for reducing suicide are to be achieved.