Risk factors for repeated suicidal attempts: a 6 –year retrospective study at Jos University teaching hospital, Jos.

Abstract

Background Among patients who have attempted suicide, the risk of later suicide is much increased and mortality due to suicide has continued to increase over the years both in developed and developing countries. Few studies in this environment have looked at the risk factors and psychiatric morbidity among patients with repeated suicidal attempts. Objective The objective of the study is to determine the risk factors for repeated suicidal attempts among patients with attempted suicide. Method This is a retrospective study of all patients that presented with a diagnosis of attempted suicide at the emergency unit of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) between January 2002 and January 2008. Results During a 6-year period, 57 patients presented with suicidal attempts. Sixteen were males and 41 were females, twenty-four have had at least one previous attempt of suicide. There was no statistically significant association between any of the sociodemographic variables studied i.e. marital status, occupation, recent problem with a sexual partner, family history of suicide and repetition of suicidal attempts. However, a statistically significant association was found between repeated suicidal attempts and depression ( 2لا =9.61, P= 0.008). Forty (70.2%) patients reported the use of  psychoactive substances notably alcohol but there was no statistically significant association between substance use and repeated suicidal attempts 2لا) =1.63, p=0.44). Conclusion This study revealed that psychiatric disorders are risk factors associated with repeated suicidal attempts. Therefore, early detection and treatment of such disorders is necessary in the management of patients with attempted suicide.

Key words; Suicidal attempt, Risk factors