Ho CSH, Ong YL, Tan GHJ, Yeo SN, Ho RCM. Profile differences between overdose and
non-overdose suicide attempts in a multi-ethnic Asian society.
BMC Psychiatry 2016;
16:379. [PMID:
27821108 PMCID:
PMC5100276 DOI:
10.1186/s12888-016-1105-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This study explores differences in characteristics of overdose (OD) and non-overdose (NOD) suicide attempts in Singapore.
METHODS
Four hundred eighty-five medical records of people who attempted suicide were extracted from a local general hospital patient database and classified into OD and NOD groups. Differences in socio-demographic factors, suicide characteristics and hospital admission types between both groups were examined.
RESULTS
Indians were more likely than the Chinese and Malays to employ OD method in their attempts. More suicide attempts in the OD group than NOD group were self-reported. The most likely place for suicide attempts for both groups was at home, though more NOD suicide attempts were in public areas as compared to the OD group. Analgesics were the most used substance in the OD group. Those who attempted suicide using OD had a higher number of psychiatric ward admissions than the NOD group. Risk and protective factors varied between both groups.
CONCLUSION
Differences in socio-demographics, suicide characteristics and admission characteristics between OD and NOD groups were observed. Recommendations for suicide prevention in the community are discussed. Further studies on the mediators and moderators of these trends and characteristics of suicide attempts are necessary to ensure maximal efficacy of prevention and management.
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