Incidence of suicidal attempts and its associated factors at Badulla Provincial General Hospital, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Suicide rate in Sri Lanka is higher compared to some countries. It is about 40 per 100,000 compared to 8 per 100,000 in developed countries (UK). According Eddleston et al (1998) mortality associated with suicide attempts is high (12.7%) in Sri Lanka compared to other countries (1-2% in UK). Therefore prevention of suicide and deliberate self-harm is a priority in the health services in Sri Lanka. It is important to recognize and understand factors associated with suicidal behaviour when planning interventions and preventive strategies. The goal of this research was to investigate factors associated with suicide in Badulla district in Sri Lanka. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The study was carried out at the Provincial general hospital Badulla, Badulla district, Uva province, Sri Lanka. All patients who were admitted to Provincial general hospital Badulla, Sri Lanka, with suicide attempts between 1st January 2008 and 31st December 2008 were included in this study. There were 391 patients admitted with suicide attempts. Data was collected from patients‟ medical notes using a data collection tool. Results showed that about two third of the people who took an overdose was below the age of 30.More than 50% of suicide attempters were single. Out of the sample size of 391 patients, 369 patients who performed suicide attempts were by poisoning. Effective suicide preventive and control measures need to be taken in the form of early identification of suicide-prone individuals. Micro-level analysis of suicides and suicidal attempts are required to identify high risk population. Apart from strengthening poverty improvement programs, input from Department of Community Medicine in medical colleges are required in sociology, mental health and community health development