Citation

Sahoo MK, Biswas H, Agarwal SK. Indian J. Public Health 2016; 60(4): 260-267.

Affiliation

Senior Consultant, Department of Psychiatry, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Indian Public Health Association)

DOI

10.4103/0019-557X.195853

PMID

27976646

Abstract

BACKGROUND: More than one lakh lives are lost every year due to suicide in India. In the last three decades (from 1975 to 2005), the suicide rate has increased by 43%. Jamshedpur is an Industrial town, which is rapidly growing and having population with mixed cultural background. Recently, there has been increasing trend in a number of suicide attempt across various age groups; there are around 300 cases of suicide attempt admitted to Tata Main Hospital each year.

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors associated with suicide attempts.

METHODS: The study was carried out in the Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur. Over a period of 6 months, we gathered data of 101 suicide attempters referred from medical, surgical departments and casualties and taken up for the study. Data were collected on specific pro forma was prepared to collect various others risk factors.

RESULTS: More number of female patients compared to male, younger age, lower-middle income group, urban background, school educated, and unemployed were more represented in this study. In 70% of patients, psychiatric disorder was found, but few among them had prior treatment. Increased family conflicts, marital problems, financial difficulties, and perceived humiliations are some of the risk factors.

CONCLUSION: The early identification and treatment of vulnerable populations with risk factors for suicide across the lifespan will help in planning and implementing strategies for prevention.

Language: en