Weather conditions and fatal self-harm in North Cheshire 1989–1993

Abstract

BackgroundWe aimed to study the effect of weather conditions on the rate of all deaths due to fatal self-harm (FSH) reported in a population of 350 000. In this study the term FSH refers to all coroners' verdicts which were recorded in a specified period and included suicide, misadventure and open verdict.MethodFive-year data of FSH in North Cheshire was analysed in relation to meteorological data, which were measured at the nearest meteorological office to the study population.ResultsSmall but significant positive correlations were demonstrated between occurrence of FSH and hours of sunshine (P < 0.01) and diurnal variations in daily temperature (P < 0.05). These effects were independent of gender and psychiatric history.ConclusionsWeather may influence the occurrence of FSH, probably interacting with biological and social variables. The rate of FSH death appears to be positively related to fine weather conditions, during early summer, and not to extreme weather conditions as previously reported.