Factors Associated with Repeated Suicide Attempts

Abstract

Background: This study compares sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 102 first-time hospital-treated suicide attempters (first-evers) with a group of 101 repeat suicide attempters (repeaters) consecutively admitted to a general hospital in Brazil, during the intake phase of the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviors (SUPRE-MISS). Aims: To compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of first-time hospital-treated suicide attempters (first-evers) with a group of repeat suicide attempters (repeaters). Methods: A standardized interview and psychometric scales were administered to all patients. Results: Repetition was associated with being of female sex (OR = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–6.2), a housewife (OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.2–11.8), and having a score above median on the Beck Depression Inventory (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.7–15.6). Conclusions: The findings suggest that repeaters, namely, depressed housewives who have attempted suicide previously, need specific treatment strategies in order to avoid future suicide attempts.