[Risk factors in self-injurious behavior in a Swiss prison]

Suicide is reported to be one of the leading causes of death in prison (25-45% of deaths), and attempted suicide is observed more frequently in prison than in the general population. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors of the suicidal gestures (including wrist slashing) in the Geneva prison, and their impact; with a view to elaborating possible preventive measures. A case-control study (172 cases and 169 controls) was conducted retrospectively on the basis of medical records. Demographic and medical data for cases were compared to similar data for non-suicidal inmates. A multivariate analysis of the data revealed that the risk of suicidal inmates. A multivariate analysis of the data revealed that the risk of suicidal gestures increased for the following characteristics: age less than 25 years (RR = 4.4), previous suicide attempts (RR = 4.7), a past history of psychiatric treatment (RR = 2.5), and finally, opiate drug dependence (RR = 2.8).