Temporal variations in suicide attempt rates: A hospital-based study from India

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding temporal variations in suicide attempts is crucial for identifying correlates of suicidal behavior.
• This study investigated diurnal, weekly, and seasonal patterns of suicide attempts in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the diurnal, weekly, and seasonal variations in suicide attempts.
• To inform clinical caseload management in emergency departments.

Main Methods:

• A 4-year record-based study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Southern India.
• Patients evaluated at a crisis intervention clinic after recent suicide attempts were included.
• The distribution of suicide attempts was assessed across time of day, day of week, and month of year.

Main Results:

• A total of 407 patients were analyzed.
• Significant diurnal variations in suicide attempts were observed (P < 0.001), with a peak during evening hours (6 pm to 9 pm).
• No significant weekly or seasonal patterns were found, although peaks occurred in June and on Sundays.

Conclusions:

• Diurnal variations in suicide attempts are evident.
• These findings have implications for emergency department staffing and resource allocation, particularly during periods of potentially sub-optimal staffing.