Profile differences between overdose and non-overdose suicide attempts in a multi-ethnic Asian society

Cyrus S H Ho,Roger C M Ho,S N Yeo,Gabriel H J Tan,Y L Ong

doi:10.1186/s12888-016-1105-1

Abstract

BackgroundThis study explores differences in characteristics of overdose (OD) and non-overdose (NOD) suicide attempts in Singapore.MethodsFour hundred eighty-five medical records of people who attempted suicide were extracted from a local general hospital patient database and classified into OD and NOD groups. Differences in socio-demographic factors, suicide characteristics and hospital admission types between both groups were examined.ResultsIndians were more likely than the Chinese and Malays to employ OD method in their attempts. More suicide attempts in the OD group than NOD group were self-reported. The most likely place for suicide attempts for both groups was at home, though more NOD suicide attempts were in public areas as compared to the OD group. Analgesics were the most used substance in the OD group. Those who attempted suicide using OD had a higher number of psychiatric ward admissions than the NOD group. Risk and protective factors varied between both groups.ConclusionDifferences in socio-demographics, suicide characteristics and admission characteristics between OD and NOD groups were observed. Recommendations for suicide prevention in the community are discussed. Further studies on the mediators and moderators of these trends and characteristics of suicide attempts are necessary to ensure maximal efficacy of prevention and management.

Highlights

This study explores differences in characteristics of overdose (OD) and non-overdose (NOD) suicide attempts in Singapore
Suicide attempts by the OD group were more likely to be self-reported as compared to attempts by the NOD group which were more likely to be discovered through other reporting methods
While the most likely place for both OD and NOD suicide attempts was at home, significantly more NOD than OD suicide attempts were in public areas

Summary

Introduction

This study explores differences in characteristics of overdose (OD) and non-overdose (NOD) suicide attempts in Singapore. Despite the fact that Asian countries account for about 60 % of global suicides [2], there is inadequate resources to tackle the magnitude of the problem in this region. This is compounded by the lack of reliable statistics and rigourous suicide research. While extant literature has data on epidemiologic characteristics and trends of suicide methods common in Asia [3], the gaps in knowledge on the influence of various characteristics and risk factors on different. The knowledge acquired from such data will play a pivotal role in the formulation and implementation of targeted suicide prevention measures

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion