Prevalence and correlates of non-fatal suicidal behaviour among South Africans

Abstract

SummaryWe examined nationally representative data from the 2002–2004 South Africa Stress and Health Study, a national household probability sample of 4351 persons aged 18 years and older: 9.1% of respondents reported lifetime suicide ideation, 3.8% a plan and 2.9% an attempt. Among four ethnic groups, the Coloureda group had the highest lifetime prevalence for attempts (7.1%). Those at higher risk of suicide attempts had one or more DSM-IV disorders.