Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression among People Attempting Suicide

Abstract

Background: Suicide is the act of taking one's own life. Suicidal attempts, (both fatal and nonfatal) are a challenging public health issue. Suicide causes heavy morbidity and mortality in the most productive group of a community. This study was aimed to calculate the prevalence rate of major depressive disorder among persons who attempted suicide and also to measure the severity of suicidal ideation.

Methods: The study involved 50 persons above 18years of age of both sexes who has attempted suicide in the recent past. An informed consent was obtained from all of them. The prevalence of depression among those suicide attempters was studied based on major ICD- 10 depression inventory. Also, suicide intent rating based on Beck’s suicide intent scale was done to assess the severity of suicide attempt. Questionnaire was given and the details were collected.

Results: The prevalence of depression is estimated to be 38% (with 95% CI 25.86% to 51.85%) among the suicide attempters and 10% showed high intent for suicide.statistically significant factors are age (p-value <0.001), gender (p-value=0.002) and suicide intent (p-value <0.001).

Conclusions: Prevalence of depression is common among people who attempt suicide. Early diagnosis and intervention will reduce suicide attempts.