EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Background: Suicide is a leading global health concern with over 720,000 deaths annually. Patterns vary by region, method, age, sex, and season. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to understand and prevent suicide.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze the patterns and trends of suicide mortalities in northern Jordan.

Methods: A retrospective study of suicide mortalities which were examined in the Forensic Medicine Teaching Center of North Jordan- affiliate to Jordan University of Science and Technology for the period January 2021 - December 2024 will be reviewed to explore the methods of suicide, demographic and individual characteristics of suicide victims and accompanying signs seen during postmortem examination.

Results: Over four years (2021 - 2024), 75 suicide cases were analyzed. Most victims were males (76.0%) aged 24 - 44 (49.3%). Hanging was the most common method (62.7%), with most incidents occurring indoors (72.0%) and peaking in summer, especially July. Self-harm signs appeared in 10.7%, and 17.3% had positive toxicology, mainly CNS depressants, antidepressants, and stimulants. Three poisoning cases involved agricultural chemicals.

Conclusion: This study supports global trends in suicide, including higher rates among young adults, males, and the seasonal peak in summer, with hanging as the leading method. Regional differences highlight the need for culturally and contextually tailored prevention strategies. Future research should enhance toxicological screening and address mental health and substance use in suicide prevention.

 Keywords: Suicide; Death; Autopsy; Forensic

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