Patterns, Methods, and Psychosocial Determinants of Suicide in Nairobi, Kenya: A Forensic Autopsy-Based Study

Background: Suicide is a critical public health issue in urban African settings, yet systematically collected data on its epidemiology remain limited. Understanding method-specific patterns and underlying psychosocial determinants is essential for effective prevention.
Objectives: To characterize the epidemiology, methods, and psychosocial determinants of suicide in Nairobi, Kenya, using forensic autopsy data, and to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies.
Methods: This prospective descriptive study analyzed 224 suicide cases recorded at Nairobi City Mortuary between June 2009 and May 2010. Data on method of death, context, and circumstantial factors were collected using standardized forms. Descriptive statistics summarized distributions, and Chi-square tests assessed method-specific patterns. Suicide notes were reviewed to identify psychosocial stressors.
Results: Hanging was the predominant method (79.0%), followed by poisoning (18.3%) and jumping from height (2.7%). Suicide notes, recovered in approximately 20% of cases, highlighted domestic conflict, relationship breakdowns, unemployment, and underlying depression as common stressors. The high prevalence of hanging reflects accessibility and perceived lethality, whereas poisoning emphasizes the role of toxic substance availability. Jumping from height, although infrequent, indicates environmental risk factors associated with high-rise structures.
Conclusion: Suicide in Nairobi demonstrates method-specific vulnerabilities influenced by psychosocial and environmental factors.

Suicide, Nairobi, urban health, forensic autopsy

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