The aim of this study was to prepare quantitative & qualitative data about attempted suicide in order to develop a national program for suicide prevention in Vietnam. The prevalence of suicide attempts, plans, ideation, & medical attention following a suicide attempt was investigated as were the characteristics of people with suicidal behaviour in an urban community. Similarities & differences in risk factors between Vietnam & Western countries were examined. Other aspects of the study included testing the internal validity of two rating scales in a rural community & identifying suicidal processes among young rural people who had attempted suicide.