Correlates of suicide and temporal variations in subjects with suicide attempt

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicide Attempt is a self-inflicted, potentially injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome for which there was evidence of intent to die. Life changes could act as a stressor causing enhanced susceptibility for suicidal risk. Suicide is a complex public health problem due to interactive social, cultural, biological and psychological risk factors. AIM: To study suicide intent and it's association stressful life events in subjects with suicide attempt. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was cross-sectional, non-interventional study which included 102 patients. Semi-structured Performa including socio-demographic and clinical history details, Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES) [Singh et al., 1984] was used for assessment of psycho-social and adverse life events and Beck suicide Intent Scale was used for assessment of suicide intent. Data obtained was analyzed using appropriate statistical tool. RESULTS: Statistically significantly higher suicide intent was present in males (P = 0.001), age group 31-45 years (P = 0.043), Earning group (P = 0.008), family income CONCLUSION: Male gender in age group 31-45 years had higher suicide intent The earning group had higher suicide intent as compared to non earning group. Higher suicide intent was present in subjects having positive family history of suicide and history of prior suicide attempt. Study reported strong co-relation between Stressful life events and suicide intent score. Stressful life event score was significantly higher in subjects having psychiatric illness and past history of suicide attempt.