title: Pattern and risk factors for intentional drug overdose in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Attempted suicide by intentional drug overdose is an understudied subject in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country where suicide or attempted suicide is strictly prohibited. Despite the strong religious and constitutional sanctions against suicide, cases of intentional drug overdose occasionally occur. Our study represents the first attempt to better understand and characterize this sensitive topic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a retrospective chart review of patients aged 12 years and over with a diagnosis of intentional drug overdose between 1997 and 1999, we studied the demographic characteristics, the risk factors, the most commonly used drugs, and the resulting morbidities and mortalities of study subjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of the patients were young (mean age 22 years, SD 4.6, range 15 to 40 years), and most were Saudi nationals (n = 76; 96%). Eighty percent of the patients were women. The occurrence of intentional drug overdose peaked during the month of September (that is, 20% of total cases). Previous suicide attempts, family conflicts, and psychiatric disorders represented significant risk factors. Single-agent overdose occurred in 30% of the patients, and most of the drugs used were prescribed medications (53%). Acetaminophen represented the most common drug (30%). While some patients required prolonged hospital stay or admission to the intensive care unit, no mortalities occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intentional drug overdose is a relatively uncommon reason for hospital admission in Saudi Arabia. This study identifies certain risk factors relevant to the Saudi community and raises awareness about intentional drug overdose.
authors.affiliation: Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. jahdali@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Hamdan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Al-Jahdali
authors.forename: Abdulaziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Johani
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Hakawi
authors.forename: Yassen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Arabi
authors.forename: Qanta A
authors.initials: QA
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Jamal
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Altowirky
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al Moamary
authors.forename: Salih
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Binsalih
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*