Citation

Celso BG, Pracht EE, Cuffe SP. Internet J. Public Health 2015; 3(1): e22385.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Internet Scientific Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Suicide rates in the United States were shown to vary by state and region. Our objectives were to investigate the frequency, methods, and patterns seen at Florida hospitals that admitted patients for intentional self-harm between the years 2000 and 2010 and examine the characteristics and trends of suicide attempters in the State of Florida during the past decade.

Methods: A retrospective review of all admissions in the State of Florida during the years 2000 through 2010 for patients identified by E-codes for self-inflicted injury to examine the frequency, methods, and characteristics of patients admitted after a deliberate self-injury.

Results: The state trend from 2000 to 2010 showed a steady rise that was greater in rural counties of Florida when compared with more urban settings. The method of deliberate self-harm chosen varied by gender, age group, ethnicity, and season. Adults and the elderly chose more lethal methods of suicide such as firearms more often than children and adolescents.

Conclusions: Suicide represents an extraordinary burden on society in terms of costs and resources. Programs in Florida designed to increase awareness and prevention of suicide should help reduce the burden intentional self-harm places on the healthcare system.

Language: en