Pattern and Risk Factors of Suicide Mortality in Children among Cases arrived at Menoufia University Hospitals and analysis through the Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage

Abstract

Suicide deaths in children is a significant health problem worldwide which needs proper assessment and interventions. Hence the current study was conducted to give an overview on pattern and risk factors of suicide mortalities in children among cases arrived at Menoufia university hospital, with psychiatric analysis and assessment for such cases through the Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T). This analytical cross-sectional study included all suicidal self-poisoned and self-injured children cases attended to poison control center or emergency department in Menoufia University hospital from 1st of March 2021 to the 31st of August 2022. Data were collected through questionnaire which involved demographic data and risk factors for suicidal attempt. Psychiatric data were collected through "SAFE-T". 613 cases were included and classified to survived (503) and dead cases (110). 82.7% of the cases were in the age group of 14-18 years with girls' predominance. Phosphide poisoning and burn were the most widely used methods among dead cases. Binary logistic regression revealed that boys, chronic diseases, child abuse, drug abuse, family troubles, previous suicide attempts, delayed arrival to hospital and phosphides use were significant risk factors for children's suicidal deaths. According to SAFE-T, 64.5% of the dead cases were high risk and the use of phosphides was more prevalent among them. Phosphides poisoning was among the most significant risk factors for suicide deaths in children, also it was confirmed to be the commonest among high-risk suicide deaths after assessment with SAFE-T hence more strict measures are required to prevent their availability.