Citation

Choo CC, Harris KM, Ho RC. Omega (Westport) 2017; ePub(ePub): 30222817725182.

Affiliation

4 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 37580 National University of Singapore . Singapore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Sage Publications)

DOI

10.1177/0030222817725182

PMID

28828921

Abstract

This study explores gender differences in lethality of suicide attempts. Three years of medical records related to suicide attempters ( N = 666) were subjected to analysis. Of the sample, 69.2% were female, 30.8% male; 63.8% Chinese, 15.8% Indian, and 15.0 % Malay. Ages ranged from 10 to 85 years old ( M = 29.7, SD = 16.1). More males than females made attempts with high perceived lethality (χ(2 )= 12.10, p < .0001) and high medical lethality (χ(2 )= 10.59, p < .0001). Available variables were subjected to regression analyses. The regression models predicted more than 60% of high medical lethality suicide attempts and more than 80% of high perceived lethality attempts. Suicide intent and opportunity for rescue were significant predictors for both measures of lethality. Gender differences were examined.

FINDINGS were discussed in regard to implications in suicide assessments and interventions.

Language: en

Keywords

gender; lethality; rescue; suicide attempts; suicide intent