2023, Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part A

Materials and Methods: Over the course of one year from March 2022 to February 2023, researchers Department of Psychiatry, United Institute of Medical Sciences, Near Prayagraj Airport, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, performed a cross-sectional study. We used a selective sampling technique to enrol 150 patients who had been hospitalized after an attempt at suicide. Structured interviews and the Beck's suicide Intent Scale (SIS), a validated measure for evaluating the seriousness of suicide ideation, were used to gather data. Using Beck's Hopelessness Scale (BHS), one can gauge the depth of despair. The following sociodemographic factors were documented: age, gender, marital status, degree of education, profession, socioeconomic situation, and mode of suicide attempt.

Results: Of the 150 patients, 98 were female (65%) and 52 were male (35%). The age bracket of 18-30 comprised 42% of the total patient population. After self-harm/cutting (22%, n=33) and hanging (14%, n=21), poisoning (56%, n=84) was the most common form of suicide attempt. There was a strong relationship between feelings of hopelessness and suicide ideation. Suicidal intent ratings were substantially higher in patients with a history of prior suicide attempts (28%, n=42) as compared to first-time attempters.

Conclusion: The study found that suicidal ideation was more common among young adults, women, the jobless, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It is possible to drastically cut down on suicide attempts and deaths caused by them by establishing initiatives to prevent suicide, raising public awareness about mental health issues, and expanding access to mental health services.