Epidemiology of suicide attempts and deaths: a population-based study in Fars, Iran (2011-16)

Suicide is a critical psychological issue worldwide with an increasing trend. This study investigated suicide comprehensively.

In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed data of 28 552 suicide attempts during 2011-16, in Southern Iran. To calculate age-standardized incidence rates, population statistics were derived from the Statistical Center of Iran and the National Organization for Civil Registration. We used the standard population of World Health Organization 2012 to adjust the suicide attempts and deaths rates by age.

The mean age of participants was 26.8 ± 10.6 years with the highest suicide attempts rates in the age groups of 15-24 and 25-34 years (48% and 32.5%, respectively); 58.7% were women and 52.9% were single. Case-fatality rate (CFR) was 6.27%. Annual age-standardized incidence rates of suicide attempts during the 6-year period has increased (P < 0.001), and that of deaths were not incremental (P > 0.05). Logistic regression model showed male sex, rural area, older age, psychological and somatic disorders, and family history of suicide as significant factors.

In this comprehensive study, although the age-standardized mortality rate of suicide in southern Iran was lower than in other countries, the increasing trend of suicide attempts during the study period served as an alarming sign in this province.