Understanding suicidal behaviors in French overseas territories

Contribution of Psychological Autopsy to the Understanding of Suicidal Behaviors in French Overseas Territories

Observational University Hospital Center of Martinique · NCT05773898

This study is trying to understand why people in French overseas territories may be at risk for suicide by looking at their unique cultural backgrounds and life experiences compared to those in mainland France.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Center of Martinique Academic / other
Locations1 site (Fort-de-France, France)
Trial IDNCT05773898 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to monitor suicides and identify common or specific risk factors in four French overseas territories by comparing them to a site in mainland France. It employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing semi-directed psychological autopsy interviews to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The study focuses on the socio-cultural variability of suicides, particularly among minority indigenous populations, and aims to enhance data collection through collaboration with local health and social services. By conducting interviews with proxies of deceased individuals, the study seeks to uncover the complex interplay of mental disorders, life events, and cultural factors contributing to suicidal behavior.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 or over who were close to someone who died by suicide and can provide insights into the deceased's life experiences.

Not a fit: Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders that may impair their ability to provide accurate information will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for suicide in diverse cultural contexts.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using psychological autopsies have shown effectiveness in understanding socio-cultural factors related to suicide, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Persons close of the deceased
* Persons who knew about his/her childhood
* Age 18 or over
* Interviewed for the study between 2 and 11 months after the suicide

Exclusion Criteria:

* People with neuropsychiatric disorders that may affect the quality of the information collected, cognitive (memory and expression) and judgmental functions
* People who refuses to participate
* Persons referred to articles L.1121-6, L.1121-7, L. 1121-8 L.1121-1-2 of the French Public Health Code.

Where this trial is running

Fort-de-France, France

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SuicideMental DisordersPrognostic FactorsPsychological autopsiesepidemiologyrisk factorspsycholinguistic approachFrench overseas territories
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.