A three month study of parasuicide presenting in Kingston, Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A three month study of parasuicide presenting in Kingston, Jamaica. A case controlled study of 41 persons who attempted suicide was conducted over a three month period. The risk factors identified in this population are being unemployed, living in rented accomodation or boarding homes, having a chronic medical illness, experiencing conflicts with parents and family members, family instability, depression and hopelessness. Drug abuse was associated with parasuicide. The more common precipitating factors include dispute with parents, conflict with other family members and lovers quarrel. The most common method of attempting suicide seem to be the ingestion of medication. Teenagers and young adults made up the majority of cases. Depression and hopelessness were prominent features among the cases and were also identified as risk factors. These findings have important implications for the planning of health services and the management of patients. (AU)