Intentos de suicidio atendidos en el Hospital Regional de Concepción

Abstract

This research studies the biodemographical characteristics, the methods, motives and severity, and the incidence of recurrence, of cases of attempted suicide in the Regional Genera! Hospital, Concepción, Chile. All patients presenting to the casualty department during one year with an attempt of suicide were included in the study Each patient was interviewed and asked to complete a precoded questionnaire; a total of 299 questionnaires were completed. The majority of patients were female: young housewives who made a mil d attempt at suicide, usually with medication. A third of these Cases had attempted suicide before, with each subsequent attempt being more severe. The Results of this study in Concepción confirm in general terms the findings of other authors.