Year: 2008 Source: West Indian Medical Journal, v.57, no.4, (2008), p.346-351 SIEC No: 20090525

This study examined the epidemiology of attempted suicide & self-harm at the Port-of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad & compared it to a study done at the same hospital in 1974. Chi square analysis & significance testing through the use of t tests was done. A total of 368 referrals for attempted suicide or deliberate self-harm were identified, indicating a four-fold increase in incidence with a greater increase among males. Males were more likely to use violent methods. Relationship difficulties were most commonly cited by both males & females as the reason for their attempt. There was a trend for greater propensity for this behaviour among Indo-Trinidadians as compared to Afro-Trinidadians. (20 refs.)