Trends and Patterns of Suicide in Quetta City

Abstract

Objective: To determine the patterns and trends of suicide attempts in the people of Quetta also examine the causes of suicide in this area.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from 1^st January 2016 to 31^st December 2018.

Materials and Methods: Fifty two suicide victims of ages ranging from 10 to 50 years was taken from District Quetta and surrounding areas of Quetta, Data was collected from hospital administration and primary data was collected and interview of victim’s family.

Results: Thirty four (65.38%) victims were males while 18 (34.62%) were females. There was a high rate of suicides in individuals whom were ages 18 to 30 years. The main causes of suicide attempts were noted as family issues, financial problem, lack of confidence, mental health and others as 21 (40.38%), 14 (26.92%), 8 (15.38%), 5 (9.62%) and 4 (7.69%) respectively. Gunshot was the common method of suicide in 23 (44.23%) followed by Drowning and poison.

Conclusion: Family disputes and marital issues was the main causes of suicide deaths in District Quetta and its surrounding areas and the most common method to attempt suicide was gunshot.