Factors associated with repeated suicide attempts. Preliminary results of the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behavior (SUPRE-MISS) from Campinas, Brazil.
BACKGROUND
This study compares sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 102 first-time hospital-treated suicide attempters (first-evers) with a group of 101 repeat suicide attempters (repeaters) consecutively admitted to a general hospital in Brazil, during the intake phase of the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviors (SUPRE-MISS).


OBJECTIVE
To compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of first-time hospital-treated suicide attempters (first-evers) with a group of repeat suicide attempters (repeaters).


METHODS
A standardized interview and psychometric scales were administered to all patients.


RESULTS
Repetition was associated with being of female sex (OR = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-6.2), a housewife (OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.2-11.8), and having a score above median on the Beck Depression Inventory (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.7-15.6).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that repeaters, namely, depressed housewives who have attempted suicide previously, need specific treatment strategies in order to avoid future suicide attempts.
da Silva Cais
Carlos Filinto
CF
Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. carlosc@fcm.unicamp.br
Stefanello
Sabrina
S
Fabrício Mauro
Marisa Lúcia
ML
Vaz Scavacini de Freitas
Gisleine
G
Botega
Neury José
NJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012008:Recurrence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014944:World Health Organization; D000092864:Suicide Prevention