[Epidemiology of suicide attempts in Reunion Island]

In order to specify the epidemiological characteristics of attempted suicides on Reunion island, a quantitative study was carried out, using Emergency Room registers of all the hospitals on the island. This enabled collection of 9526 files. The results revealed a high proportion of suicide attempts (335/100,000/year), particularly prevalent in rural areas to the south of the island. There was a tendency towards over representation of women, though less distinct than in Europe, as well as an abnormally frequent use of pesticides or herbicides. Medication and violent means were not used as often as in France. These outcomes, in particular the very high frequency (especially in the rural areas of the south), along with the significance of medico-psychological factors, should be taken into account by anthropologists, linguists, clinical specialists, in order to help determine preventive measures.