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Original Research
Attempted Suicides in a Primary Care Setting
South African Family Practice | Vol 23, No 2 | a2124 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v23i2.2124
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Submitted: 26 October 2011 | Published: 28 February 2001
Submitted: 26 October 2011 | Published: 28 February 2001
About the author(s)
P.T. Kenny, University of Pretoria, South AfricaFull Text:
PDF (241KB)Abstract
Aim: To describe the profile of patients who attempted to commit suicide in a primary care setting.
Study design: A descriptive survey of patients who attempted suicide.
Setting: Casualty department of a district hospital in Pretoria West.
Main outcome variables: Age, sex, methods used, reason for attempt and previous attempts.
Results: This study included 313 patients of which 208 were females and 105 males. Of these patients 257 (82%) were less than 4l years of age and 289 (92%) were white. Previous suicide attempts were acknowledged by 25% of patients and 30,7% took benzodiazepines in overdose. No fatalities were recorded and l8 (5,8%) patients were transferred to other hospitals for intensive medical care. Marital, family or relationship problems were indicated by 184 (72,4%) patients as the reason for the attempt.
Conclusion: In the Pretoria West area suicidal attempts are common. Marital and domestic problems are the main reasons for attempting suicide.
Study design: A descriptive survey of patients who attempted suicide.
Setting: Casualty department of a district hospital in Pretoria West.
Main outcome variables: Age, sex, methods used, reason for attempt and previous attempts.
Results: This study included 313 patients of which 208 were females and 105 males. Of these patients 257 (82%) were less than 4l years of age and 289 (92%) were white. Previous suicide attempts were acknowledged by 25% of patients and 30,7% took benzodiazepines in overdose. No fatalities were recorded and l8 (5,8%) patients were transferred to other hospitals for intensive medical care. Marital, family or relationship problems were indicated by 184 (72,4%) patients as the reason for the attempt.
Conclusion: In the Pretoria West area suicidal attempts are common. Marital and domestic problems are the main reasons for attempting suicide.
Keywords
suicide; attempted suicide; survey; Pretoria; South Africa
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