An analysis of cases of suicide suing firearms in Iran

Suicide with firearms is common in European and North American countries, but because of limited access to firearms in Iran, it is seen in Iran much less than suicide by hanging, self-burning or self-poisonning. However, due to an increase in firearms imported by way of smuggling through eastern and western boundaries and also access of military personnel and police agents and in particular conscripts, to firearms, it seems necessary to pay more attention to this matter. The data regarding firearms mortality were gathered on the basis of forms about cases of suspected suicide, made available by the statistics department of Iranian LMO. For data about world statistics valid saurces were used. In 2001, nearly 8 percent of suidcides resulting in death were performed using firearms. The rate of this kind of suidice was 0.42 in 100000 of general population and some provinces (Kermanshah, Ilam and Lorestan) had higher than average rates. Nearly four fifth of subjects were unmarried 55.7 percent of them were between 16 to 20 and 22.7 percent of them were in the age group of 21-25. Most cases of suicide have happened in military facilities or guard houses. The rate was highest at summers and lowest at winters. Smuggling of firearms into western and eastern regions of the country and easier access to firearms in these regions has resulted in higher rates of suicide using firearms. Also a large part of cases are performed by conscripts, that considering social and mental problems of this particular group has special importance.