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Attempted suicide in Shanghai districts: a pilot study
Huaihai Shan1, Yi Wu2, Shengqi Chen2
1Xuhui Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
|December 22, 2011
Summary
This pilot study monitored suicide attempts in Shanghai, finding family conflicts and unemployment as key triggers. Establishing continuous monitoring is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Suicide attempts pose a significant public health challenge globally.
- Understanding the demographics and triggers of suicide attempts is vital for effective prevention.
- Limited data exists on suicide attempt characteristics in urban China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot data collection on suicide attempts in five Shanghai districts.
- To assess the feasibility of establishing an ongoing suicide attempt monitoring system.
- To identify preliminary characteristics and risk factors associated with suicide attempts in the study area.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study was conducted across five districts in Shanghai.
- Data was collected on 363 cases of attempted suicide.
- Patient demographics, methods of self-harm, and stated reasons were recorded.
Main Results:
- The study included 363 patients with a mean age of 33 years; 67% were female.
- Ingestion of drugs or chemical substances was the most common method of self-harm.
- Primary reasons cited for suicide attempts included family conflicts and unemployment.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary data provides insights into the characteristics of individuals attempting suicide in Shanghai.
- Methodological limitations highlight the need for improved data collection.
- Continuous monitoring and enhanced data collection are recommended to inform public health professionals and develop targeted preventive measures.