Risk and protective factor for suicide attempt in Iran: A matched case-control study.

In order to generate local evidence, a case-control study was designed to explore risk factors for suicide attempts (SA) in one of the larger cities in the southeast of IranÐKerman. From one of the main referral hospitals, 300 cases and 300 age- and sex-matched variables, the following variables were compared in the two groups: personality traits, psychological condition, religiosity, coping skills, general health, and recent stressful events. Conclusions: Although, recent stress increased the risk of SA considerably, other factors such as general health, friendsÕ support, and being problem-focused may predispose subjects independently. Conversely, intrinsic religious beliefs and close social networks may have protective effects.