Reattempted Suicide Within One Year in Fars Province,Iran

Abstract

Objective

Suicide reattempts, reflecting ongoing vulnerability, are common among individuals with prior attempts, yet data from Iran is limited. This study explored reattempts among all suicide attempters who survived in the Fars province during the year 2023 to inform prevention strategies.

Methods

This prospective study analyzed all registered suicide attempts and death in the Fars during 2023, using a comprehensive database, the Integrated Suicide Data Monitoring and Registration System. Cases were determined and reviewed over 352 days to identify reattempts. Variables included demographic data, attempt history, and occasion-related factors. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression to examine factors predicting suicide reattempts using SPSS, with significance set at P < .05. Ethical approval was secured from the relevant committee.

Results

Among all cases, 577 individuals (6.1%) reattempted suicide out of a total of 9472 attempters (failed or succeeded). Gender distribution among re-attempters was similar. Single individuals had higher reattempt rates. Although re-attempters had a lower fatality rate than first-time attempters, the difference was not statistically significant. The average interval between attempts was 5.2 weeks, and 75% occurred within 15 weeks. Logistic regression revealed that being single significantly increased reattempt odds (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.17-2.11, P = .003), while other factors such as age, gender, and day of the week were not significant.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that single individuals were more vulnerable to suicide reattempts, underscoring the need for targeted and timely interventions. Being alert in the high-risk post-attempt period is crucial. Future studies should use longitudinal and qualitative methods to explore the complex interplay of personal, social, and systemic factors predicting suicide reattempt.