Abstract

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to determine a predictive model for suicide attempts based on risk factors in Karaj, Iran general population. The intention was to collect necessary information for plann- ing preventive, educational, and therapeutic interventions.

Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 2300 randomly selected sample from 1.3 million Karaj residences. Information on the subjects were collected by using a modified SUPRE-MISS questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about demographic characteristics, personal and family history, suicidal behavior, attempted suicide methods, history of  taking psychoactive drugs, history of psychiatric treatments, chronic physical and mental disorders, and community stress.  Data were collected by interviewing the subjects and analyzed using analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results:  Out of total sample, 65% were females, 57.2% were married, 48% had high school education, and 43.8% were householders.  The mean age of those with attempted suicide was 26 (±9) years.  The mean age of those with no attempted suicide was 32 (±13) years. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). This study showed that age (adolescence), sex (female), history of mental disorder, the lifetime use of tobacco and/or alcohol as well as unemployment can independently predict suicide attempts.

Conclusion:  Planning to reduce suicide attempts in researches on high-risk population as in teenagers, women, psychiatric patients, smokers and alcohol abusers is necessary.