Suicide Mortality in the Maryland State Prison System, 1979 Through 1987

• NCJ Number: 130576
• Journal: Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 262 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 21, 1989) Pages: 365-369
• Author(s): M E Salive; G S Smith; T F Brewer
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated suicide among long-term prisoners in the Maryland prison system between 1979 and 1987 to determine risk factors and to compare inmate suicide rates with those that occur overall in the State.

Abstract

An examination of inmate death records revealed that there were 37 male inmate suicide deaths within the reporting period, a significantly higher age- and race-adjusted male suicide rate than in the general population. Risk factors for male inmate suicide proved to be white race, age between 25 and 34, major crime committed against a person, life sentence, and confinement to the major maximum security institutions in the prison system. The primary methods of suicide were hanging, cutting wound, antidepressant overdose, and fall from a height. Correctional health care personnel must maintain a high index of suspicion for suicide risk among inmates. All incoming inmates should be assessed for suicidal risk by mental health professionals. Preventive interventions should be developed, particularly for inmates with life sentences. 33 references (Author abstract modified)