Attempted suicides in Kurunegala District circumstances and risk factors

Objective

To identify the circumstances and risk factors of attempted suicides in Kurunegala district, with special emphasis on mental health status.

 

Methodology

Three hundred and ninety six persons who attempted to commit suicide were studied using a descriptive and a case control approach. Interviews and clinical assessments were used as data collection methods.

 

Results

Main precipitants of attempted suicide were related to domestic and personal problems, Younger age, depressive illness, alcohol abuse, family problems, poor income, parental deprivation, exposure to suicidal acts by others, past suicidal attempts were identified as the main risk factors of attempted suicide. Nearly half of the study subjects were found to be depressed. Of them, a substantial proportion attempted suicide without any antecedent or precipitating event.

 

Conclusions

Depressive illness and alcohol abuse were significant contributory factors for which preventive programmes could be targetted. Adolescents and youth deserve special attention in programmes aimed at prevention of suicide. Declaration of interests This study was funded by the UNFPA.