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Characteristics of and trends in subgroups of prisoner suicides in England and Wales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2011

N. Humber ,
M. Piper ,
L. Appleby  and
J. Shaw
N. Humber*
Affiliation:
Centre for Suicide Prevention, School of Community-Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
M. Piper
Affiliation:
Offender Health, Department of Health, London, UK
L. Appleby
Affiliation:
Centre for Suicide Prevention, School of Community-Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
J. Shaw
Affiliation:
Centre for Suicide Prevention, School of Community-Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr N. Humber, Centre for Suicide Prevention, Jean McFarlane Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Background

The suicide rate is higher in prisoners compared with the general population. The aim was to describe the characteristics of and longitudinal trends in prisoner suicides in England and Wales.

Method

A case series was ascertained from the Safer Custody and Offender Policy Group at the Ministry of Justice and included a 9-year (1999–2007) national census of prisoner suicides. Questionnaires were completed by prison staff on sociodemographic, custodial, clinical and service-level characteristics of the suicides.

Results

There was a fall in the number of prison suicides and a decline in the proportion of young prisoner (18–20 years) suicides over time. Females were over-represented. Upward trends were found in prisoners with a history of violence and with previous mental health service contact. A downward trend was found in those with a primary psychiatric diagnosis of drug dependence. Drug dependence was found to be significant in explaining suicides within the first week of custody.

Conclusions

The findings provide an important insight to aid a target set in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in England to reduce suicides in the prisoner population by 20% and highlight an important area for policy development in mental health services. Examining trends identified subgroups that may require improved mental healthcare and recognized those that appeared to be having their treatment needs more adequately met. Evidence suggests that targeted suicide prevention strategies for subgroups of prisoners are required.

Keywords

Characteristicsprisonprisonerssuicidetrends
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 41 , Issue 11 , November 2011 , pp. 2275 - 2285
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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