Gender differences among suicide attempters attending a Crisis Intervention Clinic in South India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Studying gender differences among suicide attempters is important for identifying gender-specific risk factors and for planning management and prevention. Our objective was to delineate gender differences among a well-defined group of suicide attempters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This record-based study was conducted among patients presenting to a Crisis Intervention Clinic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. Information was gathered regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Hopelessness was measured using Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and stress was evaluated using Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). RESULTS: The sample comprised of 162 males and 137 females. Males were significantly older and were more likely to be employed as compared to females. Alcohol use was significantly more in males and number of men who attempted suicide under intoxication was significantly higher. Females had a greater proportion of attempts with the use of plant poisons and medication overdose. There was no significant difference between two genders on BHS though differences were noted on types of stresses reported on PSLES. CONCLUSION: Gender-specific differences were noted with regard to substance use, mode of attempt and types of stressors experienced. Identifying these factors might help us to design targeted interventions to prevent further attempts.