[The prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts in Manisa City Centre]

Abstract

Objective: Suicide attempts are a major public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts in Manisa city centre. Risk factors related to suicide ideations and attempts were also studied.

Method: This study was carried out in Manisa city centre. Using cluster and systematic samples, data were collected from 1086 persons 15-65 years old. Separate questions were asked about the lifetime occurrence of suicide ideation (''Have you ever seriously thought about committing suicide?''), and suicide attempts (''Have you ever attempted suicide?''). A form for suicide attempters was used to determine the characteristics of the attempts.

Results: The lifetime prevalences of suicide ideation and suicide attempts were 6.6% (n=72) and 2.3% (n=25), respectively. Marital problems were the most common stressor in suicide attempts (44%, n=11). Approximately two thirds of the suicide attempters used a drug overdose for suicide. Of all the suicide attempters, 24% (n=6) had made previous attempts. The essential risk factors for suicide ideation were being female (p=0.012), smoking (p=0.001), consuming alcohol (p=0.028), having a previous psychiatric disorder (p<0.0001), and a family history of psychiatric disorders (p=0.021). The essential risk factors for suicide attempts were smoking (p=0.005), having a previous psychiatric disorder (p<0.0001), and a family history of psychiatric disorders (p=0.029).

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that suicide attempts must be carefully evaluated in subjects with previous psychiatric disorders, previous suicide attempts and a family history of psychiatric disorders. It is necessary to know the clinical and demographic features related to suicide attempts.