Year: 2008 Source: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, v.43, no.6, (June 2008), p.454-461 SIEC No: 20100997

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