Abstract

RUEDA-JAIMES, Germán Eduardo et al. Gender Differences in Suicidal Patients. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2011, vol.40, n.4, pp.637-646. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Although in most countries suicide is more common in men, women attempt it more often. These differences have been explained by the lethality of the method, seeking for help, acceptance of treatments, impulsivity, sexual abuse, and substance use. However, data on suicide attempts are limited in our country. Objective: To determine gender differences in a sample of suicidal patients. Method: A semi-structured interview was conducted to 593 consecutive suicidal patients that requested help at a private clinic in Bucaramanga. We used bivariate and logistic regression to establish associations. Results: 383 (64.6%) were women and 210 (35.4%) were men. The average age of the women was 31.9 ± 14.1, for men it was 33.8 ± 15.1 years. The average years of schooling for the women was 10.7 ± 4.0 and 10.6 ± 4.2 for the men, and all patients belonged to the contributive health insurance regime. Increase in substance use (OR = 2.1; 1.18 to 3.7), substance abuse (OR = 1.65; 1.01 to 2.7), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.5; 1.04 - 2.3), and access to means of suicide (OR = 3.5; 1.9 to 6.4) were associated with male suicidality. Conclusion: Gender differences were found in increased substance use, substance abuse, alcohol consumption, and access to means of suicide.

Keywords : Suicide; attempted suicide; suicidal ideation; sex.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )