Socio cultural and clinical factors in repetition of suicide attempts: a study from India

Abstract

Extrapolating data from community studies it is estimated that five million suicide attempts occur each year in India. Studies from various countries have revealed that the risk of suicide increases with repetition of suicide attempt. There is lack of information from India about the sociocultural and clinical factors associated with repetition of suicide attempt and hence this study was undertaken. The study was part of the SUPRE-MISS study of the World Health Organisation. A total of 607 subjects who were admitted for attempted suicide in a General Hospital in Chennai were administered the SUPRE-MISS questionnaire. Out of 607 subjects interviewed, 98 (16%) had made a previous suicide attempt. Repeaters were older and were more likely to be divorced, widowed or separated. A significant proportion of the repeaters had experienced physical abuse when compared to the first timers. They also had difficulty in relationships with spouse, family and also at the work place. Clinical factors like suicidal intent ...