Imran Khan, Sher Ayub.
A correlational study of hopelessness and suicidal intent in patients presenting to accident and emergency department of a tertiary care hospital after attempted suicide.
J Med Sci Jan ;28(3):210-3.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the sociodemographic data and mode of attempt, hopelessness and suicide intent in suicide attempted patients presented to A&E in tertiary care hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Material and Methods: A prospective study of 6-month duration was done in tertiary care hospital. Patients with deliberate self-harm and attempted suicide who presented to A&E were included in the study. Those who fulfilled the criteria were evaluated by using Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Beck Suicidal Intent Scale along with a semi structured proforma for interview. Data were analyzed with statistical tests and psychiatric diagnosis was made by using ICD-10. Results: In the planned period of 6-months span, 102 patients were assessed. Women (64%), less than 45 years of age were (74%). 26% had a family history of suicide. 31% have attempted in the past. 71% have attempted through organophosphorus. 39% had psychiatric morbidity. Depression was the major comorbidity. 55% of suicidal attempts have resulted from Dysfunctional family living. Most of the patients had mild (34%) and moderate (40%) degrees of hopelessness, and the mean score was 9.64. The mean suicidal intent in the participants was 25.14, when correlated with hopelessness score, significant positive correlation was found. Conclusion: Lethality of the attempt increases with the severity of hopelessness. Furthermore, identifying and treating the underlying psychiatric condition such as depression and hopelessness is an immediate need.

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