Trends in suicide, parasuicide and accidental poisoning in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract: Because of lack of compiled data on Suicide, Parasuicide and Accidental Poisoning (AP) in the general population and in over 15 year olds in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it was essential to prepare and analyze these basic data. The average crude suicide rate for over 15 year olds was found to be 12.7 and 2.45 for males and females, respectively. The difference between male and female rates is significant (P<0.002). The commonest method of committing suicide was by hanging and strangulation (70.2%). Suicide rates showed marked declines, especially in males, during exacerbation of the civil wars. The average standardized parasuicide rate was found to be 74.85 and 25.93 for males and females respectively. The difference between male and female rates is significant (P<0.002). In over 15 year olds, 83.91% of parasuicides were in the age group of 15-44 and males in this age group had the highest parasuicide rate (122.03). Trends of parasuicide rates had indicated high peaks during stressful years. The average standardized AP rate was found to be 14.17 and 8.19 for males and females respectively. The differences between male and female rates is significant ( P<0.002). In over 15 year olds, 76% of AP cases were in the age group of 15-44, but males in the age group of 45-64 had the highest AP rate (19.37). Possible reasons for changes in the trends of these three phenomena are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1999;13(3):247-261]