Repeated suicide attempts among service users of an emergency service in Northern Colombia: Characteristics, associated factors, and management

Abstract

Suicide has increased close to 60% in the last four decades worldwide. In Colombia, during the year 2019, 10,9% of violent deaths were due to suicide. This study aimed to identify risk factors predicting repeated suicide attempts. It also aimed to describe the management of suicidal behaviour within an emergency department of Northern Colombia. Dataset comprised 336 medical records of individuals seeking medical assistance for intentional self-harm between 2008-2019; 136 medical records were associated with previously reported suicide attempts. Results from a multivariate logistic regression showed that suicide ideation and having a history of psychiatric disorders significantly predicted repeated suicide attempts. Furthermore, repeated attempts were more likely in underaged individuals and young adults. Management of patients engaging in suicidal behaviour involved hospitalization and outpatient mental health services. However, a few patients were sent home with recommendations or were non-compliant. Findings from this study highlight the importance to develop evidence-based screening and monitoring protocols that prevent repeated suicide attempts.