Epidemiology of Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Counties under the Supervision of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 2009 to 2012

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Abstract

Abstract



Background: Suicide is an important public health problem which is affected by individual and environmental factors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the epidemiology of suicide and suicide attempts and the related demographic factors in the counties under the supervision of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) from 2009 to 2012.



Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 17,342 cases of suicide and suicide attempts in counties under the supervision of SUMS. Data were collected using the monthly report checklist of the suicide prevention program. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and using the chi-square test and chi-square test for trend.



Results: The average rate of suicide in the mentioned counties was 3.85 per 100,000 in year. Suicide cases were mostly among men (50.8%), in singles (49.7%), in age group 15-24 years (42.9%), and in housewives (34.1%). The average rate of suicide attempts was 99.53 per 100,000 in year. The most frequent cases of suicide attempts were observed in females (60.5%), in singles (56.7%), and in the age group of 15-24 years (57.3%).



Conclusions: Despite the low rate of suicide in the counties of Fars province, suicidal behavior including suicide attempt and suicide have been associated with some demographic factors. In consequence, developing serious plans to reduce this problem is essential.

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