Pidemiological survey and MSPSS scores of 260 suicide attempters presenting to two emergency departments in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of suicide attemptcases who were admitted to the emergency departments and to determine their level of social support andrelated factors by using multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS). Methods: This studywas conducted simultaneously in two different centres between February 23 and June 31, 2009. Totally 260suicidal cases who were admitted to the emergency departments were included in the study after obtainingthe consents. Related derived data were collected with a questionnaire. The questionnaire determinedepidemiological characteristics of suicide attempters by using MSPSS derived data. The data were analysedwith percentage, mean, t test, ANOVA, and Scheffe test. Results: About 70% of all cases were femaleand 63.1% of them were between 16 and 25 years of age. The main causes leading to suicide attempts werefamily problems (41.9%), financial problems (11.2%), and peer suicide attempts (5.4%). Drug use was themost common suicide method both in males and females. The MSPSS score was 52.47±17.81 (mean±SD,range=12-84). While being a member of a broken family, being widow/divorced, previously diagnosed mentaldisorder affected social support scores negatively, being a student or having a high level of education affectedscores positively. Conclusion: Family problems, financial problems, 16-25 age group, female sex, beingdivorced/widowed, being a member of broken family, chronic physical and psychological problems, andlower level of perceived social support are main characteristics associated with suicide attempts.