A Comparative Study of Attitude of Mental Health Versus Nonmental Professionals toward Suicide

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a major public health problem. Suicide can be prevented by understanding the disorder. Attitude plays a significant role in doing so. AIM: To assess the attitudes of mental health professionals and non-mental health professionals towards an act of suicide and to compare the two groups regarding their attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semistructured questionnaire having yes/no type questions was administered to 30 mental health and 30 nonmental health professionals. A blind analysis of the data was done. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Comparative analysis using mean and standard deviation and analysis of variance was performed to rate significance in differences of responses to questions that rate attitudes. RESULTS: The results show a significant positive attitude of mental health professionals toward dealing with the patients who attempted suicide. DISCUSSION: Considering the magnitude of the problem, simple training and education of nonmental health professionals can change their attitude toward patients who attempt suicide, which in turn leads to an optimal management. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the mental health professionals are much more positive in their approach towards a patient of parasuicide.