Gender Differences in the Motivations for Suicide Attempts Among Cases Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study
H. Ulusoy, T. Demircan, K. Karbeyaz, M. E. Çanakçı, I. G. Yılmaz KaramanIntroduction
Approximately 740,000 people die by suicide each year. A previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of death by suicide. Identifying the factors that trigger suicidal behavior can provide opportunities for protective and preventive interventions. Gender, as a determinant of health, may affect women and men differently and influence the reasons for suicide attempts.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to examine and compare the reasons for suicide attempts among women and men who presented to the emergency department.
Methods
In this study, psychiatric consultations requested for patients who presented to the emergency department due to a suicide attempt or preparatory actions in 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results
Of a total of 746 emergency psychiatric consultations, 110 were assessed as suicide attempts, and 9 as preparatory suicidal actions. The most frequently reported reason for suicide in both genders was domestic relationship problems (51.3%). Men reported economic difficulties and unemployment as reasons for suicide significantly more often than women (p<0.001).
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of gender roles and family relationships in understanding suicidal behavior. Psychiatric practice should adopt holistic and gender-sensitive approaches, particularly considering issues such as unemployment among men. Preventive strategies should promote healthy interpersonal relationships due to their protective impact against suicidal behavior.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared