Profile of parasuicide cases attending Brits Hospital, North West Province, South Africa: a 5-year chart review

Abstract

Background Parasuicide is referred to as an apparent attempt at suicide without the actual intention of killing oneself. Its prevalence continues to increase in the Brits/Madibeng community. The current study aimed to determine the profile of parasuicide cases attending Brits Hospital, North West Province of South Africa, from 2013 to 2018. Methods The basis of this article is a 5-year retrospective chart review of parasuicide cases attending Brits Hospital from 01 January 2013 to 01 January 2018. Brits Hospital is a 200-bed hospital serving people in the Brits/Madibeng community. Results Of the 477 parasuicide cases, the mean age was 26.6, the median 24 years with minimum and maximum ages respectively of 12 and 64 years. The majority (257; 53.88%) were between 16 and 25 years of age and comprised females (297; 62.26%), African (391; 82.84%), single people (352; 73.79%), unemployed (304; 63.7%) and those who had completed the secondary level of education, 300 (62.9%). The highest number of cases (85, 86 and 87) were registered during the odd years (2013, 2015 and 2017), while the lowest number (68, 75 and 76) during even years, i.e. 2014, 2016 and 2017. The summer months of January and February registered more cases, respectively 65 (13.63%) and 64 (13.42%). The majority of cases (430; 90.15%) represented a first attempt at suicide. Overdose of medication (300; 62.82%) was the most common method used and a relationship problem the main reason that led to the attempt. Most cases (409; 85.74%) did not have any medical or psychiatric symptoms prior to the parasuicide crisis. Conclusion This study painted a clear picture of parasuicidal cases attended at Brits Hospital, being younger between 16-25, mainly female, single, unemployed, the method used for parasuicide mostly overdose of medication and done mainly in Januaries and Februaries. Furthermore, reason for the parasuicidal attempt were relationship problem as well as unemployment. In most of the cases, it was the first attempt.

Demographic profile of patients and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour in a South African district hospital

“…Gender-specific differences in suicidal behaviour have been analysed in a number of studies with conflicting outcomes. 21,22,23,24,25 A number of studies addressing sex (male or female) differences in suicidal behaviour have reported no significant differences between males and females, 26 whilst others have confirmed significant relationships between suicidal behaviour and sex (male or female). 27,28,29 In a more recent study, no significant sex-based difference was evident.…”