Child and Adolescent Suicides in Turkey (2004–2023): A Comprehensive Evaluation

ŞİMŞEK Ü., DEMİRCAN T.

Child Psychiatry and Human Development, cilt.56, sa.5, ss.1485-1493, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 56 Sayı: 5
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10578-025-01839-x
  • Dergi Adı: Child Psychiatry and Human Development
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, PASCAL, BIOSIS, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Psycinfo, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1485-1493
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Adolescent suicide, Child suicide, Forensic medicine, Gender differences, Suicide methods, Suicide trends
  • Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study analyzes suicide rates, causes, methods, and age- and gender-specific trends among children and adolescents in Turkey (2004–2023) using Turkish Statistical Institute data. Utilizing data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, suicide deaths across two age groups (< 15 years and 15–19 years) were examined. During this period, 8,954 suicides were recorded, with 52.6% involving males. Hanging (41.3%) and firearms (30.2%) were the most frequently used methods, showing significant gender differences (p < 0.01). Family discord emerged as the leading cause of suicide among females, while illness was predominant among males. The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally tailored, evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. Key measures include restricting access to means of suicide, enhancing family-based interventions, and improving mental health services with a focus on early detection. Adoption of the WHO’s “LIVE LIFE Initiative for Suicide Prevention” could provide a robust framework to reduce youth suicide rates in Turkey.