Self poisoning with suicidal intent- Part II

Self poisoning is one of the most common forms of suicides and a frequent cause of hospitalization in Accidents and Emergency Departments, especially in the younger age groups. This research was prompted by the current lack of reliable and adequate information on the epidemiology of suicide, and its main objective was to provide a basis for effective interventions in the future. The present article is the second section of a two-part paper on the epidemiology of self-poisoning in Iran. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Tehran, Mashad, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz and Kermanshah (5 major Provinces of Iran). This article deals with results from data analysis and comparisons between cases of suicide and accidental self-poisoning. In all, 723 cases were studied. Among those who had committed suicide, the frequency of severe physical illness was greater in women compared to men (P<0.002). The mean age of the subjects who expressed regret after the suicidal gesture was significantly lower than those who did not (P<0.003). Moreover, subjects who had a real intention to kill themselves were significantly older than those who did not have such an intention (P<0.01). Results from logistic regression analysis showed that higher age, male gender, and residing in Tehran were associated with a higher probability of deliberate self-poisoning (P<0.001 for all the three variables). In addition, having a definite plan for suicide and previous history of a suicidal attempt were significantly related to having real intention to die (Odds ratios 2.52 and 1.87, respectively) Most hospitalizations in poisoning wards (>74%) involve suicidal self-poisoning. Measures must be taken at all three levels of prevention with special attention to the epidemiology of the problem in different regions.