Factors Associated with Repeated Suicide Attempts

BACKGROUND: This study compares sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 102 first-time hospital-treated suicide attempters (first-evers) with a group of 101 repeat suicide attempters (repeaters) consecutively admitted to a general hospital in Brazil, during the intake phase of the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviors (SUPRE-MISS). AIMS: To compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of first-time hospital-treated suicide attempters (first-evers) with a group of repeat suicide attempters (repeaters). METHODS: A standardized interview and psychometric scales were administered to all patients. RESULTS: Repetition was associated with being of female sex (OR = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-6.2), a housewife (OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.2-11.8), and having a score above median on the Beck Depression Inventory (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.7-15.6). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that repeaters, namely, depressed housewives who have attempted suicide previously, need specific treatment strategies in order to avoid future suicide attempts.