Epidemiological Study of Suicide in Khuzestan Province, South West of Iran, during 2011 to 2014

Aim of the study: Suicide is a worldwide major public health problem. This study was carried out in Khuzestan province for the examination of the epidemiology of suicide.

Material and methods: This is a descriptive-cross-sectional study on epidemiology of suicide in 23 township of Khuzestan provinces, during 2011 to 2014. Data were collected from records in Mental Health Units in Khuzestan Province which has located in South West of Iran. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-22 software.

Results: from 11180 recorded suicides, about 60% were female and about 40% were male. The cumulative incidence of suicide attempts was estimated 339/100,000.The highest suicide rate was from the city of Masjed Soleiman with an annual average incidence of 327/100,000 cases of suicide. Most common method of suicide was drug abuse (279/100,000) and most common method of Completed Suicides was hanging (7/100,000). The most important motivation of the suicide was related to Familial discords by 72/100,000 of suicide attempts and 4/100,000 cases of suicide deaths and the highest incidence occurred among the people in the age range of 24–18 years. The suicide attempts and suicide deaths increased over studied years.

Conclusions: According to the results, the most common suicide method was drug abuse and the family discord was the most motivated suicide. Moreover, highest incidence of suicide was among the age group of 18–24 years. Educational programs should be provided in fields of problem solving skills and crisis management in relation to life problems. Also facilitating access to specialized psychological and psychiatric services, and appropriate intervention plans is essential.