Citation

Qaisrani K, Akram A, Tanveer MA, Gardezi SSH, Khan NJ. Medical forum monthly 2021; 32(1): 21-24.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the factors predisposing to attempt a suicide using poisons in our community. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Medical units, Nishtar Medical University and Hospital, Multan, from August 2019 to February 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients of both genders, aged 14 to 70 years and with attempted suicide using poisons were enrolled. The socio-demographic information was obtained. Poisoning agent used and knowledge about effects of poisoning agents were obtained. Outcome was measured in the form of hospital stay and discharge or expired. The data was entered into SPSS version 26.0 and analyzed accordingly.

RESULTS: Out of a total of 150 patients, there were 88 (58.7%) female. Mean age was noted to be 23.87+7.6 years while most of the patients, 70 (46.7%) were aged between 21 to 30 years. There were 71 (47.3%) cases who had marital status as married while out of these 71, 41 (56.3%) were unsatisfied with their marital life. Employment status of the 122 (81.3%) study participants was unemployed. Most of the study participants, 104 (69.3%) were literate. Social unrest was reported by 117 (78.0%). Paraphenylene Diamine (PPD) was the commonest form of poison used followed by pesticides in 59 (39.3%) and 33 (22.0%) respectively. Mean duration of hospital stay was recorded as 4.27+3.5 days. In terms of outcome, 132 (88.0%) patients were discharged after treatment while 18 (12.0%) expired.

CONCLUSION: Females form majority of cases attempting suicides. Younger age groups are more commonly involved attempting suicides. Paraphenylene Diamine was the commonest form of poison used followed by pesticides. Social, family and peer related issues are important factors behind suicide attempts. © 2021 Medical Forum Monthly. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; Suicide; female; male; aged; suicide attempt; hospitalization; Pesticides; unemployment; risk factor; major clinical study; disease predisposition; marriage; drug intoxication; community care; unclassified drug; social aspect; pesticide; poison; hospital discharge; drug effect; Article; employment status; outcome assessment; Paraphenylene diamine; young adult; data analysis software; married person; tertiary care center; diamine; paraphenylene diamine