Learning from suicide deaths in Harris County, Texas

This study examined individual and community demographic characteristics surrounding suicides in one of the most populous counties in the United States. We paired medical examiner records with U.S. Census data and analyzed them using geospatial software. The majority of decedents were non-Hispanic, white males who died primarily of gunshot wounds. Salient age characteristics included interpersonal violence and depression among ages younger than 40. Despite lower incomes and education levels, areas with higher population density and racial/ethnic minorities had fewer suicides. Additional research should address depression among males and the elderly, interpersonal violence, firearm access, and culture.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the demographic characteristics of suicides in a highly populated county in the United States by combining medical examiner records and U.S. Census data. The findings revealed that the majority of suicide victims were non-Hispanic, white males who died from gunshot wounds. Notable age characteristics included interpersonal violence and depression among individuals younger than 40. Interestingly, areas with higher population density and racial/ethnic minorities had lower suicide rates despite lower incomes and education levels. Future research should focus on male and elderly depression, interpersonal violence, firearm access, and cultural factors.