[Study of sociodemographic and psychopathological risk factors in suicide attempts. 2008-2010]

The aim of this study is to determine the sociodemographic and psychopathological features and risk factors associated with suicide attempts.

A descriptive cross-sectional study based on medical records. Emergency Primary Care Centres (Jumilla, Yecla) and Hospital Emergency Departments (Yecla, Murcia, Spain).

The suicide attempt rate increases in younger people (average of 36.4 years old). Suicide attempts are higher among women (67%). In terms of psychopathological data, suicide attempts were characterised by a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder (30%), and substance abuse (13%). The percentage of patients who had made a previous suicide attempt was 37%. Self-poisoning was the most recurrent method of suicide attempt, present in at least 80% of the cases. Gender was a significant factor in the cause of suicide attempt (P=.042) and psychopathology (P=.011). The geographic origin of the patient is significantly associated with the suicide method used (P=.000).

Suicide treatment protocols and suicide prevention programs must be developed, as well as recording the risk factors in the patient history.