A cross-sectional study to assess the cause of present suicide attempt and socio-demographic profile among the suicide attemptees in a tertiary care centre, Bengaluru

Abstract

Context: A high suicide rate is an index of social disorganization. In India, it is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 years age group. Young age, female sex, poor education, unemployment and socio economic deprivation are some of the potential risk factors. Aim: To assess the cause of present suicide intent and socio-demographic profile in patients with attempted suicide in a tertiary care centre. Settings and design: Study setting in tertiary care centre, Bengaluru and a Cross-sectional study design. Methods and material: A Cross Sectional Study was conducted among 476 suicide attempted patients by Convenient sampling from January 2016 to May 2017. Data was collected by using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics if required. Results: Mean age of study participants was 30.65+0.75 years. Most of the suicide victims (82.97%) were from nuclear families.24.57%of study participants had family history of suicide.49.66% of them had a suicidal intent during the past 12 months and only 26.89% of them sought professional help. Conclusion: Suicides and attempted suicides are slowly but steadily assuming the levels of a public health problem caused by multiple factors. Hence there is a need to address the risk factors for suicide attempts and preventing them by taking proper measures at individual, family and societal level.