Non-Fatal Suicidal Behavior Among South Africans: Results From the South Africa Stress and Health Study
Joe S~~Stein D J~~et al
This study examined the prevalence, age of onset, & sociodemographic correlates of suicide ideation, planning, & attempts among South Africans. Nationally representative data are from the South Africa Stress & Health Study. Bivariate & survival analyses were used to delineate patterns & correlates of nonfatal suicidal behaviour. Transitions are estimated using life table analysis. The risk for attempted suicide was highest in the age group 18-34 & Coloureds had the highest lifetime prevalence for attempts. Cumulative probabilities are 43% for the transition from ideation to plan, 65% from plan to attempt, & 12% from ideation to an unplanned attempt. About 7.5% of unplanned & 50% of planned first attempts occur within 1 year of the onset of ideation. (38 refs.) JA