Abstract

PAREDES P, Castro; ORBEGOSO R, Oswaldo  and  ROSALES T, Paul. Characterization of patients attempting suicide in a general hospital in Lima, Peru. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2006, vol.23, n.4, pp.293-296. ISSN 1726-4634.

A descriptive cases series study was performed in order to determine the characteristics of patients attempting suicide in Jose Agurto-Tello Hospital in Chosica, Lima, Peru. Clinical records for the period between 1995 and 2004 were reviewed, and 380 cases were included. In 1995 13 patients were reported as having attempted suicide. This figure rose to 41 for 2004. Suicide attempts were most frequent in women (63,7%), 74% of patients were between 15 and 29 years old, and 61,2% were single. 13% of cases corresponded to repeated suicide attempts. Most frequent reasons for attempting suicide were family discussions (33,9%), and couple discussions (27,6%); and most frequently ways for attempting suicide were ingesting organic phosphate insecticides (75,3%), and drugs (20,3%). Frequency rated in the emergency department of Jose Agurto-Tello Hospital for year 2004 is 0,0017. It is necessary to deepen the knowledge of these cases so that preventive strategies may be developed.

Keywords : Mental health; Suicide; attempted; Organophosphorus compounds; Peru.

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