Irish coroners' attitudes towards suicide and its prevention

Background: Coroners routinely enquire into suicide deaths and communicate with people bereaved by suicide. However, no research has been conducted into coroners' attitudes towards suicide and its prevention. Aims: We assessed attitudes towards suicide among Irish coroners in order to determine their understanding of suicide and its prevention. Methods: An internationally validated questionnaire assessing attitudes towards suicide was sent to all coroners in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Results: Sixty completed questionnaires (response 62%) were analysed. Overall, the coroners' responses reflected openness towards communication about suicide and suicide prevention initiatives. Approximately, one in five favoured the attitudes that suicide is a right or that it may be a justifiable resolution. Only 23% agreed that people who die by suicide are usually mentally ill. Conclusions: Irish coroners favour communication about suicide and have a positive attitude towards its prevention but they appear to underestimate the prevalence of mental illness.