2004, Number 4
Prevalence of suicide attempts in the Emergency Ward of the General Hospital “Dr. Agustin O’Horan” from January 1998 to December 2003
Coronado-Santos S, Díaz-Cervera I, Vargas-Ancona L, Rosado-Franco A, Zapata-Peraza A, Díaz-Talavera S
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Language: Spanish
References: 8
Page: 207-213
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ABSTRACT
Introduction. Suicide is an act directed at intentional self-destruction. An increase in the national suicide rate presents a seriuos public health problem because it affects the population at a productive age, raising the necesity of implementing a preventative program to address this situation.Materials and Methods. The reports made to the Department of the Public Prosecutor from the social workers’ records and from the files of all the patients over 10 years old, who attended the Emergency Ward at the O’Horan General Hospital for attempted suicide from 1998 to 2003 were registered.
Results. A total of 713 patients were attended between 1998 and 2003. 47.4% (n = 338) were male and 52.6% (n = 375) were female. The 15 to 24 age group ws the most affected. No specific distribution by month or year was observed. The mechanism used in the suicide attempts were not reported. 3.5% died as a consequence of the attempt.
Comments. Attempted suicide is a frequent reason for visiting the Emergency Ward at the O’Horan General Hospital. There is a hospital sub-register on the subject since suicide and suicide attempts concern the Public Prosecutor which make it impossible to obtain all the required data for a more complete analysis.
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