Suicide in Romanian Prisons: A 6-Year Retrospective Study

People in prison have long been recognized as a vulnerable group with a higher risk of suicide compared to general population. Previous studies already concluded that certain individual-level characteristics of inmates (e.g. psychiatric diagnosis and repetitive self-harm) are associated with engagement in suicide behavior while incarcerated. In this study, using the official data from the records of National Administration of Penitentiaries, we have examined trends in prison suicide rates over the period of 2014-19. Additionally, we described the socio-demographic profile, criminological and clinical characteristics, temporal and spatial trends. It is utterly important that all inmates with a higher risk for suicide to be identified when admitted to the detention facility and to have access to continuous mental health services while incarcerated. Also, it is also important that potentially suicidal inmates never be housed alone in a cell, and that the entire staff (administrative, custodial and clinical) be offered adequate training in recognizing and intervening in time in order to prevent suicide.


Keywords: suicide, inmates, correctional facilities, Romania