Are you ready to amplify your academic presence and connect with a global network of researchers? Join the Scholar Indexing Society and elevate your research to new heights!
Suicide and Suicide Attempts among Patients Attending a District Hospital in Ghana: a Retrospective Study
Article Number: SIS689021AI080125
8th January, 2025
Author(s):
Dennis Bomansang Daliri, Agani Afaya, Timothy Tienbia Laari, Nancy Abagye, Elizabeth Hutchful
Abstract:
Suicide and suicidal
attempts have become a public health concern worldwide as it is the second
leading cause of death among the youth. Despite its impact on public health, few studies on this menace exist in low- and middle-income countries like
Ghana. This study sought to review the data of patients who have been involved
in suicide and suicidal attempts in a district hospital in the Upper East
Region of Ghana. This is a retrospective review of the records of
patients (outpatient and inpatients) who attempted or completed suicide. The
study was conducted in the War Memorial Hospital from April to May 2023. Data
extraction covered January 2016 to December 2021. The study identified 162
cases of suicide (attempted and completed) with 80 (49.4%) males and 82 (50.6%)
females. The mean age of culprits was 32.0±16.1. Even though more females
attempted suicide, more males completed it. The commonest method used in
suicidal attempts was chemical ingestion (poisoning). Also, the year 2020
recorded the highest number of suicidal attempts and completed suicide (24.7%).
People between the ages of 18-25 were found to attempt suicide the most
(38.9%). There is a need for urgent education among the youth about
suicide. Also, using less poisonous mechanisms for agricultural practices such
as adopting organic methods of agriculture may help reduce the accessibility of the
pesticides used in suicide attempts.