Suicide attempts and associated factors in Newfoundland and Labrador, 1998-2000

This study examined the epidemiology and associated factors for suicide attempts requiring hospitalization in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

We extracted data from the provincial hospital separation database. Outcome measures included incidence rates (IRs) of suicide attempts by age, sex, and geographical region of residence. We also analyzed sociodemographic data to determine associated factors.

A total of 978 patients who were hospitalized owing to suicide attempts were identified for 1998-2000, giving an overall IR of 68.7 per 100,000 person-years (P-Y). The age-specific rate for people aged 15 to 19 years was much greater, at 143.0 per 100,000 P-Y. The overall female-to-male ratio was 1.3, with an attempted suicide rate of 76.1 per 100,000 P-Y for female patients and 60.3 per 100,000 P-Y for male patients (P = 0.001). Labrador (210.2 per 100,000 P-Y), a region with a high Aboriginal population, had a higher rate of suicide attempts, compared with the island portion of the province (59.0 per 100,000 P-Y) (P < 0.001). More than 70% of hospitalizations were associated with psychiatric diagnosis. Poisoning was the most frequent method of attempting suicide. Higher IRs of suicide attempts were found among people who were divorced or separated and among those who were less educated (P < 0.001).

Suicide attempt represents a significant public health concern in the province, particularly in Labrador. An increased risk of suicide attempts was associated with single status, female sex, younger age (teen or young adult), and low educational level during the index attempt. Further research is needed to explicate these findings and increase our understanding of attempted suicide.