SOCIO–DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND SUICIDAL INTENT IN SUICIDE ATTEMPTERS: A cross sectional study from a teaching hospital in India

Vishnu Gade; Lokesh Kumar Kalasapati; Virinchi Sharma; Raghuram Macharapu; Pramod KR Mallepalli; Pavan Kumar Reddy CM.

Volume : VII, Issue : II, February - 2018

SOCIO–DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND SUICIDAL INTENT IN SUICIDE ATTEMPTERS: A cross sectional study from a teaching hospital in India

Vishnu Gade, Lokesh Kumar Kalasapati, Virinchi Sharma, Raghuram Macharapu, Pramod Kr Mallepalli, Pavan Kumar Reddy Cm.

Abstract :

Background: Suicide is one of the ten major causes of death in India. Suicidal intent score has been found to be a good predictor of a subsequent completed suicide.

Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the socio–demographic profile and suicidal intent score of the suicide attempters and to determine the association of suicidal intent score with multiple socio–demographic factors.

Material and Methods: The present study was an observational cross sectional study. 72 patients admitted in a teaching hospital, secondary to suicidal attempt were interviewed. The Socio–demographic variables of these patients were recorded and suicidal intent scores were analyzed using Beck�s Suicide Intent Scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20 statistical software and descriptive statistics and Chi–square tests were used to find significance. Statistical significance was assumed at P < 0.05.

Results: High suicide intent was present in majority of the patients 35 (48.6%). Suicidal intent score had significant association (P<0.05) with age, gender, type of family, education, marital status, reasons for suicide and substance abuse.

Conclusion: Such data is vital in assessing and understanding various sociodemographic factors influencing the intent of suicide in developing countries like India, and help plan prevention programs. The measurement of suicidal intent is valuable in the evaluation of future suicide risk in attempters. The patients with high intent should be targeted to receive intense out–patient services as a preventive measure.