Study of Sociodemographic and Family Factors in Suicide Attempters in Kota

Family factors have a significant role in suicidal attempts.

To assess the socio-demographic characteristics and family factors in suicide attempters.

Cross sectional study in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Consecutive 50 suicide attempters were evaluated using semi-structured proforma for recording socio-demographic profile, Family Typology Scale, Family Interaction Scale, and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). They were compared with healthy controls who had never attempted suicide.

Statistical analysis used: Data expressed in percentages and chi square test used with yate's correction when required.

Majority of the cases were married although divorced, separated and widowed attempted more suicides than their control counterparts. Majority of subjects were in age group of less than 25 yrs. Males were predominating in less than 25 year age group while females dominated the age group of 25–40 years. Suicide attempters had lower educational status and more unemployment than controls. Suicide attempters had lower family income, nuclear family and anomic type family behaviour patterns than controls. Family interaction patterns were less cordial and more antagonistic type than in controls. Family history of drug abuse was significantly higher in cases and marital disharmony was most common precipitating factor for suicidal attempt. Stress of competitive exams was an important factor in suicidal attempts by youngsters. There was no significant difference in family size and family history of psychiatric illness between cases and controls.

Family factors have a significant implication in suicidal attempts.