Suicide and Suicide Attempts among Patients Attending a District Hospital in Ghana: a Retrospective Study

Suicide and suicidal attempts have become a public health concern worldwide as it is the second leading cause of death among the youth. Despite its impact on public health, few studies on this menace exist in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. This study sought to review the data of patients who have been involved in suicide and suicidal attempts in a district hospital in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This is a retrospective review of the records of patients (outpatient and inpatients) who attempted or completed suicide. The study was conducted in the War Memorial Hospital from April to May 2023. Data extraction covered January 2016 to December 2021. The study identified 162 cases of suicide (attempted and completed) with 80 (49.4%) males and 82 (50.6%) females. The mean age of culprits was 32.0±16.1. Even though more females attempted suicide, more males completed it. The commonest method used in suicidal attempts was chemical ingestion (poisoning). Also, the year 2020 recorded the highest number of suicidal attempts and completed suicide (24.7%). People between the ages of 18-25 were found to attempt suicide the most (38.9%). There is a need for urgent education among the youth about suicide. Also, using less poisonous mechanisms for agricultural practices such as adopting organic methods of agriculture may help reduce the accessibility of the pesticides used in suicide attempts.

Suicide and suicidal attempts have become a public health concern worldwide as it is the second leading cause of death among the youth. Despite its impact on public health, few studies on this menace exist in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. This study sought to review the data of patients who have been involved in suicide and suicidal attempts in a district hospital in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This is a retrospective review of the records of patients (outpatient and inpatients) who attempted or completed suicide. The study was conducted in the War Memorial Hospital from April to May 2023. Data extraction covered January 2016 to December 2021. The study identified 162 cases of suicide (attempted and completed) with 80 (49.4%) males and 82 (50.6%) females. The mean age of culprits was 32.0±16.1. Even though more females attempted suicide, more males completed it. The commonest method used in suicidal attempts was chemical ingestion (poisoning). Also, the year 2020 recorded the highest number of suicidal attempts and completed suicide (24.7%). People between the ages of 18-25 were found to attempt suicide the most (38.9%). There is a need for urgent education among the youth about suicide. Also, using less poisonous mechanisms for agricultural practices such as adopting organic methods of agriculture may help reduce the accessibility of the pesticides used in suicide attempts.