2721 – Effect of Some Meteorological Factors on Suicidal Behavior in Daejon, Korea

Abstract

Introduction:

In many cultures, weather and season have been thought to influence our physical and mental health. However studies of the effect of meteorological factors on suicidal behavior have yielded inconclusive and often contradictory results. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to weather is associated with suicide in Asian countries as shown in Western countries, even though suicide rates in Korea have increased steadily.

Objectives:

To study the effect of weather condition on suicidal behavior in Daejon, Korea. in this study, suicidal attempters who had visited the Eulji Medical Center were included.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to further explore the differential effect of certain climatic factors on suicidal attempt probabilities in Daejon, Korea between 2009 and 2011.

Methods:

Three-year data of suicidal attempts within Daejon, Korea were analysed in relation to meteorological data, which were measured at the Daejon Meteorological Administration. Data on suicidal attempt and weather were matched.

Results:

Our study indicates that temperature and duration of sunshine are significant associated with the suicidal attempts (p < 0.05). These correlation were independent of age and sex.

Conclusions:

Within the interaction of biological and environmental influences in the development of suicidal ideation and behavior, some weather conditions may additionally contribute to the risk of suicidal attempt.