The age-specific characteristics of medically serious suicide attempters aged 15–45 years in rural China

Abstract

This aim of this study was to identify unique characteristics of serious suicide attempters across different age groups. Face to face interviews were conducted with medically serious suicide attempters in rural hospitals in two provinces in China (n = 791). The sample included three age groups: 15–24, 25–34, and 35–45. While there were some consistent patterns that emerged across the age groups, there were also some significant age-related patterns that emerged. Serious suicide attempters aged 15–24 were more likely to be well educated, never married, hold Party membership, and impulsive, and to be least likely to perceive social support and be in a peasant occupation. This category also had the highest proportion of males, although still predominantly female. Those aged 24–25 were more likely to have a family history of suicide, somewhat educated, and moderately likely to be married. Those aged 35–45 were more likely to have limited education, to be ever married, to have mental disorders, to store pesticides in their home, and the least likely to be impulsive. These results highlight age-specific intervention strategies in addressing suicide.