Surveillance of Attempted Suicide Among Adolescents in Oregon, 1988

In January 1988, Oregon became the first state to require hospital-based reporting of attempted suicide in all adolescents less than 18 years old. From January-December 1988, 644 cases were reported (annual rate of 214 per 100,000 population, ages 10-17 years). These cases were compared with all 137 Oregon adolescents less than 18 years old who committed suicide in Oregon during the 10 year period, 1979-1988. It was found that the strongest predictor of outcome was method used. (15 refs.)