Suicidal Process, Suicidal Communication and Psychosocial Situation of Young Suicide Attempters in a Rural Vietnamese Community

This study explored the suicidal process, suicidal communication, & psychosocial situation of young suicide attempters in a rural community in Hanoi, Vietnam. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in a community setting, with 19 suicide attempters, aged 15-24. In 12 of 19 cases, the first pressing, distinct, & constant suicidal thoughts appeared less than one day before the attempt. However, distress & mild, fleeting suicidal thoughts had been present up to 6 months before the attempt in 16 cases. 13 had engaged in some form of suicidal communication before their attempt. Physical abuse & psychological violence had been suffered by a majority of the respondents. (30 refs.)