Citation

Dambrauskiene K, Adomaitiene V, Zalinkevicius R, Jariene G, Vilkas V, Rybakova I, Dunderiene L. Alcohol Alcohol. 2019; 54(1): 104-111.

Affiliation

Institute of Endocrinology of the Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 2, Kaunas, Lithuania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/alcalc/agy080

PMID

30452537

Abstract

AIMS: Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor in suicidal behaviour, but there is still discussion about which factor might imply greater suicide risk-acute alcohol intoxication or being a problems drinkers. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between a suicide attempt and the drinking pattern and to evaluate the risk factors for suicide attempt among problem drinkers versus non-problem drinkers. SHORT SUMMARY: We found that problem drinking (CAGE ≥2) is an important issue in suicide attempts. Factors predicting suicide attempt among problem drinkers were male gender, younger age, being married or in a partnership status, low education and acute alcohol intoxication prior a suicide attempt.

METHODS: A cohort study was performed including all cases of patients (n = 425) hospitalized in the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences after a suicide attempt. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the nature of the suicide attempt, the question of alcohol consumption prior to the suicide attempt and a CAGE questionnaire screening for problem drinking (CAGE ≥ 2).

RESULTS: Two-thirds (70.9%) of male and 43.2% of female suicide attempters were problem drinkers. Problem drinking versus non-problem drinking increased the risk of suicide attempt especially according to gender (3.2 times for male), age (1.08 times for younger age), marital status (among married or in a partnership-1.58 times), education level (among < 12 years-2.04 times) and acute alcohol intoxication prior a suicide attempt (8.15 times-among intoxicated).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight that being a problem drinker as well as the use of alcohol at the time of the event is an important issue in suicide attempt,.

Language: en