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Objective: To determine the incidence of suicide attempt in Benin City and identify the agents (particularly drugs) commonly used and risk factors of suicide attempt. Methods: Records of cases of attempted suicide seen at the Specialist Hospital, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, between 1991 and 2000 were collected. The following data were collected: Gender, age, occupation, marital status, agent taken, method used, motivation, treatment, and outcome of treatment.Results: Of the 198,587 patients admitted into the hospitals, there were 111 cases of attempted suicide. The crude suicide attempt rate was 2.5 per 100,000. The female to male ratio was 1:1.09. The most frequent agent used in attempting suicide was drugs (64%), especially diazepam (45%). The age group mostly affected was 20-24 years (37.84%). Students ranked the highest (36.1%). The major predisposing factors to suicide attempt is conflict with parents (30.6%), and failure (11.7%)Conclusion: These findings calls for stringent measures for the distribution, sale, and use of drugs commonly employed for suicide attempts. The pharmacists especially, and other health professionals have an important role to play in preventing suicide attempts in this regard. |
