Family conflict : The major underlying influence in suicide attempts in Northern Bihar, India.

Abstract

Suicide attempts in North India are generally underreported but have been considered to be rising. Over the last five years the number of admissions to our Hospital due to attempted suicide, had risen from 82 in 2007 to 419 in 2011. 

157 suicide attempt survivors completed an interview and the Major (ICD-10) Depression inventory. 36 (23 %) of our patients come from India but 122 (77%) patients come from Nepal. The highest incidence is in the age group 16-20 years. There is little difference in the overall number of males and females but after 35 years of age, the number of males is four times higher than females. 81% of the respondents were below the age of 30 years.

Modes of suicide attempts were: pesticide poisoning 148 (94%), overdose of medication nine (5.7%) and attempted hanging one (0.6%). Using the Major (ICD10) Depression Inventory, 28(18%) of the participants were suffering from depression. 90 people (56.9%) admitted to previous thoughts of suicide and nine (5.7%) people had previous suicide attempts.

126(80%) of the participants stated conflicts with their family members lead to the attempted suicide. 154 (97%) relatives did not expect the person to attempt suicide. 121 (77%) participants were influenced to attempt suicide by having heard about someone in their neighbourhood, friends, or family who had previously attempted suicide.

Work to prevent suicide attempts and deaths needs to be focussed on young people and help them to learn to handle conflict and stress, particularly in family situations.