Epidemiology of Suicide and Attempted Suicide in the Larestan and Gerash During 2008 to 2012

Suicide is an important public health problem so that it is the third cause of death in 15-34-year-old individuals. The aim of this study was to survey epidemiology of suicide and attempted suicide in Larestan and Gerash.

This cross-sectional study was carried out on suicides and attempted suicides in Larestan and Gerash during 2008 to 2012. Data were collected using monthly report checklist of suicide prevention program. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests.

The average rate of suicide was 2.35 per 100,000 populations in Larestan and Gerash. Most of the cases 14 (51.9%) were married. The most common method to commit suicide in women and men were drug abuse (42.9%) and hanging (75%),respectively. In contrast, the average rate of attempted suicide was 59.93 per 100,000 populations. Most of the cases were singles with a frequency of 350 (50.8%) and in age groups of 20-29 years with a frequency of 349 (47%). Drug abuse was the most common method of attempted suicide in women (93.4%) and men (86.8%).

Although the results showed a low incidence of suicide in Larestan and Gerash, the most common motivation for suicide was either physical or mental illness. Therefore, it is essential to do protective measures to reduce this occurrence.