A Cross-Sectional Study of Co-Occurring Suicidal and Psychotic Symptoms in Inpatients at Mathari Psychiatric Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

The prevalence of suicidal symptoms & their co-occurrence with psychotic symptoms in patients at the Mathari Psychiatric Hospital in Nairobi were investigated. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in June 2004. Data on sociodemographic characteristics & clinical diagnoses of inpatients were extracted from their clinical notes. A total of 691 patients were interviewed; 308 had suicidal symptoms. There were significant positive correlations between psychotic & suicidal symptoms according to DSM-IV criteria, suggesting co-existence of these 2 sets of disorders. Although prevalence rates are much lower than those reported elsewhere, there is still cause for concern as suicidal symptoms were not being managed. (35 refs.)