Non-fatal suicidal behaviour in Padua, Italy, in two different periods: 1992-1996 and 2002-2006.
OBJECTIVE
The WHO/EURO multicentre study on suicidal behaviour showed the lowest rates of suicide attempts in the Italian centre of Padua. Present study aims to discover changes in non-fatal suicidal behaviour rates and characteristics by comparing hospital-admitted subjects in two study periods (1992-1996 and 2002-2006).


METHODS
Data were obtained from the University Hospital of Padua. The crude prevalence rates of events and persons by year per 100,000 (subjects aged 15+ years) were calculated. Rate ratios, Chi-square tests and t tests were calculated.


RESULTS
The mean prevalence rate per year showed a significant increase during the second study period from 59.2 to 93.6 per 100,000 (RR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.24-2.02). Changes were significant for both genders, but the increase was stronger in males. The proportion of subjects with non-fatal suicidal behaviour was highest in the youngest age group (15-29 years) in the first period and in adults (30-44 years) in the second period. The absolute number of subjects with non-fatal suicidal behaviour increased more than two times for adults aged 30-44 years. Changes in other age groups were minor. The absolute numbers of non-Italian-born subjects with non-fatal suicidal behaviour increased from 11 to 135 persons. The proportion of poisoning was significantly lower in the second period.


CONCLUSIONS
When comparing the time periods 1992-1996 and 2002-2006, there was a significant increase in suicidal events in Padua. There have been remarkable changes in the characteristics of suicide attempt(er)s. The most remarkable change was in the number of non-Italian-born subjects, who should be specifically targeted by suicide prevention activities.
Kõlves
K
K
Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4122, Australia.
Vecchiato
T
T
Pivetti
M
M
Barbero
G
G
Cimitan
A
A
Tosato
F
F
De Leo
Diego
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000639:trends*; D014944:World Health Organization; D055815:Young Adult