Self-poisoning with drugs as a common suicide method among children and adolescents: a concise report from Zahedan, southeastern Iran

Abstract

Intentional poisoning by drugs and chemicals is a common emergency in Iran and is recognized as the third leading cause of suicide globally. This report focuses on the prevalence of suicide attempts through self-poisoning among children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years, based on data collected from the children’s emergency room at Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan between 2009 and 2018. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional approach to examine all cases of children referred to the emergency department for suspected suicide attempts by self-poisoning. Data collection was comprehensive (census method), and analysis was conducted using SPSS software along with descriptive statistical techniques. Out of 45 documented suicide cases, 28 involved girls and 17 involved boys. Self-poisoning represented 23.07% of these cases. Most of these attempts occurred in the 15-18 age group and were predominantly reported in urban settings. The substances most commonly used for self-poisoning included sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. The findings indicate a significant prevalence of suicide attempts by self-poisoning among older children and adolescents, with a notable gender disparity favoring females. Urban areas showed higher rates of such incidents, suggesting possible socio-economic and cultural influences. The frequent use of prescription medications for self-poisoning underscores the urgent need for stricter control measures to limit access to these drugs among young populations. This study highlights critical aspects of suicide methods among children and adolescents in Zahedan, emphasizing the role of age, gender, and urban residency in influencing suicide attempts. It also calls for enhanced regulatory policies to prevent access to potentially lethal medications, aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide by self-poisoning in this vulnerable group.