Etiology of violent behaviour: psycho-social in depth analysis of a homicide-suicide case committed by an ex-military man, possibilities for prevention in military context and public attitudes towards military related risk factors

Grant holder: Prof Dr Airi Värnik
Duration: 2008-2009
Funded by: Estonian Ministry of Defence (Grant No 386/0807)
Description: The main aim of the study is to provide evidence-based proposals for prevention of violent (incl suicidal) behaviour in military context. More specifically the aims are: (1) To find out the etiology of violent behaviour by analysing in depth a homicide-suicide case committed by an ex-military man; (2) To find out risk and protective factors of violent behaviour in military context and to analyse possibilities for effective intervention and prevention; (3) To analyse the public attitudes atowards military related risk factors.

Suicide trend in Estonia during independence: What are the associations with socio-political, economic and public health indicators?

Grant holder and project manager: Kairi Kõlves
Duration: 2007-2009
Funded by: Estonian Science Foundation (Grant No 7132)
Description: The main aim of the project is to study suicide as a social phenomenon in the society with extremely rapid social changes, which could open new theoretical approaches, and give evidence-based material for prevention.

The role of alcohol in suicide process and in prevention of suicidal behaviour

Grant holder: Prof Dr Airi Värnik
Project manager: Kairi Kõlves
Duration: 2006-2008
Funded by: Estonian Science Foundation (Grant No 6799)

Description: The main objectives of the study are:

1. From the scientific approach to find out association between (1) alcohol consumption, (2) suicidal behaviour and (3) other suicide risk factors in Estonia at the individual level and (4) to find out burden of desease caused by suicide and its economical effects using internationally comparable methods, introduce results in Estonian and international conferences and to publish results in international scientific journals.
2. From the applicable point of view to give evidence based material for working out suicide prevention strategy and action plan on national level, for working out and developing preventive methods in the frames of the present study and as well in the frames of the national alcohol policy program and the national mental health promotion program. The aim is also to recommend guidelines for other countries with similar historical background.

Alcohol and drugs as social risk factors in society of transition in the prevention of premature death and suicidal behaviour

Grant holder: Prof Dr Airi Värnik
Project manager: Kairi Kõlves
Duration: 2003-2005
Funded by: Estonian Science Foundation (Grant No 5349)
Description: The main objectives of the study are:

1. From the scientific approach to find out correlation between (1) alcohol and drug use, (2) premature deaths and suicidal behaviour and (3) social processes in Estonia both on the macro level and on the individual level using internationally comparable methods and to publish results.
2. From the applicable point of view to give scientific basis for finding the possibilities to decrease premature deaths and suicidal behaviour by target groups. This could be the evidence-based procedure for working out and developing preventive methods in the frames of the present study and as well in the frames of the national alcohol policy program and the national mental health promotion program. The aim is also to recommend guidelines for other countries with similar historical background.

Research on suicide survivors

Project manager: Karmel Saveljev
Duration: Since 1999
Funded by: Ministry of Social Affairs, National Program in Public Health, IPM (Karolinska Institute) – concerning data collection; the implementation part is not funded

Description: As supplementary part of above mentioned psychological autopsy the material was collected and analysed concerning suicide survivors. Additionally a mourning group has been initiated in order to get evidence-based information about effective mourning work. The aim of the study is elaboration and implementation of rehabilitation methods.

Haapsalu project: Prevention of (pre)suicidal behaviours in schoolchildren

Study design and evaluation: Prof Dr Airi Värnik (ERSI)

Implementation: Tiina Kütt (Counselling Centre for Children and Adolescents in Läänemaa) and Ingrid Danilov (Lääne County Government, social and health care department)

Duration: 2004-2005; 1996-1997

Funded by: Estonian Health Insurance Fund, Council of Gambling Tax, Lääne County Government

Description: The aims of the project are:

1. To decrease depression and suicidal behaviours in children and adolescents (age 7-18)
2. To increase awareness on suicidal behaviours and possible prevention strategies among gatekeepers
3. To increased awareness on suicidal behaviours and possible prevention strategies among children and adolescents and their family members
4. To strengthen social network and counselling/rehabilitation services for children and adolescents
5. To improve mental heath and psycho-social coping in children and adolescents

Click here for the project description.

Club Marta

Mental health promotion programme for elderly people.

Click here to open project description.