Sociodemographic Pattern of Attempted Suicides – A Prospective Study

Abstract

Attempted suicides are a major public health concern and an important predictor of completed suicides. This prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at M. S. Ramaiah Medical College and Teaching Hospitals, Bengaluru, from November 2019 to May 2021, to assess the sociodemographic profile and methods employed in cases of attempted suicide. A total of 98 cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied after obtaining informed consent. Sociodemographic details, personal and family history, and details regarding the suicide attempt were collected through interviews with patients and relevant informants. Females constituted the majority of cases (67.3%), while males accounted for 32.6%. Most individuals belonged to the 21–30 years age group (43.8%), followed by 11–20 years (18.3%). A significant proportion of subjects were from urban areas (84.69%) and middle socioeconomic class families (88.71%). Most participants had attained education up to matriculation and beyond, and unemployment was common among the study population. Interpersonal relationship disturbances emerged as the most common precipitating factor for attempted suicide, particularly among women, whereas financial distress predominated among men. Deliberate self-poisoning was the most frequently employed method (88.77%), with agricultural poisons and medications being the commonest substances used. The findings highlight the influence of psychosocial stressors, socioeconomic factors, and easy accessibility to poisonous substances in attempted suicides. Early identification of vulnerable groups, strengthening mental health awareness, and restricting access to toxic agents may help reduce the burden of suicide attempts in urban populations.