Citation

Akabaliev V, Iliev Y. Bulgarian Medicine 2002; 10(5): 22-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AIM: To ascertain the basic characteristics of cases with lethal suicidal poisoning in Plovdiv region during the period 1990-2000 and compare them to those of accidental lethal poisonings with the purpose of optimizing preventive measures. A secondary purpose is to study eventual gender differences in the characteristics of cases with lethal suicidal poisoning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All lethal intoxications (N=353) of persons above 15 years during the period 1990-2000 in Plovdiv region are analyzed retrospectively in terms of gender, age, toxic agent, place of death, type of poisoning and medical aid.

RESULTS: The percentage of women, village and Plovdiv residents, pensioners, drug, pesticide and corrosive intoxications and persons who have received medical aid is statistically significantly higher in cases with lethal suicidal poisoning compared to cases with lethal accidental poisoning during the period of socioeconomic transition and crisis 1990-2000. Persons with lethal suicidal poisoning are characterized with relatively high age - 53 years. In lethal suicidal poisonings persons in working age predominate in men, while pensioners - in women. In terms of toxic agent corrosive and pesticide intoxication predominate in men, while drug overdose - in women.

CONCLUSIONS: This phenomenon must be followed up and timely effective treatment of mental disorders with suicidal ideation in the risk categories persons is necessary.

Language: bg

Keywords

Acute poisoning; adult; article; Bulgaria; drug overdose; female; Gender differences; human; intoxication; major clinical study; male; mental disease; pension; pesticide; retrospective study; sex difference; socioeconomics; statistical analysis; suicidal behavior; suicide; Suicide