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Suicide and the war in Croatia.

Bosnar A, Stemberga V, Coklo M, Koncar GZ, Definis-Gojanovic M, Sendula-Jengic V, Katic P

Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia. alanbosnar@yahoo.com

Analyzing data from the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) in Rijeka, a total of 853 suicides were recorded in a 15 years period (1986-2000). Quantitative and qualitative features of suicides were analyzed in three intervals: pre-wartime, wartime and post-wartime. In the wartime period (1991-1995), the suicide rate increased by 20.9% in comparison with the pre-war period. In the post-wartime period, the suicide rate dropped by 26.2% in comparison with the war period. The results show a significant increase in suicide rates in the wartime. During the wartime period, a large number of suicide victims under the age of forty increased-45.3% in comparison with the pre-war period and 56.6% in comparison with the post-war period. The use of firearms as a means of committing suicide quadrupled during the war in comparison with the pre-war period. The level of alcohol intoxication of perpetrators at the moment of suicide significantly increased in the wartime period. War had a direct impact on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of suicides in Croatia.

Published 7 February 2005 in Forensic Sci Int, 147: S13-6.
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