Examining Suicide and its Warning Signs and Determinants in a County of Illinois, 2014 to 2020: Implications for Future Research and Prevention

This study is to examine the trend in suicide over last 12 years a county of IL; establish warning signs leading up suicide; identify major risk factors among decedents; as well explore preventative measures for future interventions. It’s mixed-methods retrospective cross-sectional study. A total 264 existing case files between 2014 and 2020 were reviewed. Based on current literature, data collection instrument was developed include four sections: demographics, medical history, signs, risks suicide. 96 variables included collect both quantitative qualitative data. Data analyzed quantitatively qualitatively. From 2020, deaths occurred with highest number 2017 lowest 2010. Approximately 77.3% males 81.1% non-veterans. About 31.4% cases left note; 22.1% had previously attempted 49.2% previous ideation. 39.4% caused by gunshot wounds, suffocation, 15.5% poisoning. More than half (58.3%) mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder. Nearly 45.5% taking prescription medications. Roughly 41.7% indicated they troubled relationship, 33.0% could be grieving loss parents, significant others, children, siblings. Only 23.9% received prevention treatment, such hospitalization or admittance health center, prior their death. Future endeavors should consider developing strategies/interventions within domains Social Ecological Model, building social capital, issuing temporary firearms restraining orders, establishing community-based training/screening programs.