An Epidemiological Study of Suicidal Attempt Victims at J N Medical College, Aligarh

Suicide is the second most common cause of unnatural death. Every year three quarters of a million take their own life in many countries. This is a leading cause of death in the most productive age group (20–50 years). Attempted suicide is 4–8 times more common than suicide. The studies pertaining to Socio-demographic characteristics are helpful in formulating suicide prevention strategies at the state & National level.

The present study was conducted with the aim of studying the socio-demographic characteristics of suicidal attempt victims at J.N. Medical College Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. This study was conducted in the departments of Forensic Medicine and casualty over a period of 5 years between January 2007 till December 2011.

A total of 1164 suicidal attempt victims reported to this Hospital. Data were collected in relation to the demographic characteristics and other details and entered into a proforma specially prepared for this study. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 17.0 (Statical Package for social science) regarding the variables. The following results were obtained in this study.

Commonest Age group was between 20–29 years (37.28%).

Majority of the suicidal attempt victims were married people (68.9%)

Hindu victims were 84.88%, Muslims 12.4% and Christians 0.6%.

Most of the suicidal victims (66.41%) were form rural areas.

50% of the victims were illiterates. Graduates and above constituted about 7.39%.

34.54% of the victims were unemployed.

Majority of the victims were from lower socio-economic status 32.64%.

Majority of the suicidal attempts were made at the residence 83.5%.

37.2% of patients attempted suicide between 6 am to 12 noon.