Suicidal Self Poisoning and Its Relation With Personality Traits Among Admitted Cases to Menoufia Poisoning Control Center.

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide has been ranked among the top ten major causes of death worldwide. Self-poisoning throughout all ages is listed as one of the principal causes of unnatural deaths. Aim: Analysis of the pattern of suicidal self-poisoning cases with emphasis on its relationship with personality traits among admitted cases to Menoufia Poisoning Control Center (MPCC). Method: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study conducted on 1069 cases of suicidal self-poisoned cases attended to MPCC in one year. Data were collected including sociodemographic criteria, type of poison used, the severity of cases according to poisoning severity score, reasons for committing suicide, and the outcome. A personality questionnaire was fulfilled, which consisted of five personality traits: Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, and Conscientiousness. Results: Total number of 1069 suicidal self-poisoning cases were admitted to MPCC over one year. The highest number of them was between 10-20 years (38.4%). Females were more susceptible to suicidal poisoning than males. 78.7% were from rural areas; being single is a high-risk factor. The highest percentage of cases were students, and family troubles were the most common motive in attempting suicide, followed by economic and financial issues. Pesticides were the most used poison. 25.4% of cases were severe according to PSS, and the fatality rate reached 15.9%, where aluminum phosphide was the first claiming agent in this high death rate. Personality trait was a significant factor among people who attempted suicide with a significant difference regarding the gender and type of the used poison. Conclusion: Suicide self-poisoning is a considerable public health risk that should be given high attention; the most common age was between (10-20) years. Females were more susceptible than males. Most cases were from rural areas. Most of them were students, and family troubles were the most common motive for attempting suicide. Pesticides were the most used poison, and the fatality rate reached 15.9%. Personality traits are a significant risk factor among people who attempt suicide.

Trend and epidemiology of suicide attempts by self-poisoning among Egyptians

“…Globally, self-harm is ranked second among females and third among males [ 40 , 47 ]. A recent study in Egypt reported that two-thirds of suicide self-poisoning cases occurred among females [ 48 ]. In Australia, the number of females attempting suicide by self-poisoning was greater than that of males (3:1) [ 24 ].…”

“…In Australia, the number of females attempting suicide by self-poisoning was greater than that of males (3:1) [ 24 ]. Females tend to consume items already available in the home, while males tend to ingest or purchase an item kept outside [ 48 ].…”

“…Availability of the substance, especially pesticides, as well as hormonal disturbances and the habitual tendency of females to conflict with their guardians, are among the main reasons for attempting suicide by self-poisoning [ 49 – 51 ]. The burden of spinsterhood on females, along with low socioeconomic levels and low wages, paves the way for the spread of suicide attempts by female self-poisoning [ 48 ].…”

“…In the United Kingdom, suicidal self-poisoning represents approximately 25% of total suicides, while the United States considers it the most commonly used way of attempting suicide among youths [ 8 , 9 ].The situation worsens in the developing world with a steady increase in deaths from suicide by self-poisoning [ 10 ]. In Egypt, there is a significant 38.4% increase in suicide attempts by self-poisoning among youths [ 11 ].…”

The applicability of Linehan Risk Assessment Scale: A cross-sectional study from Alexandria Poison Centre, Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Females are more vulnerable to aggression and stress in most underdeveloped countries [26]. Women's suicidal behavior is in uenced by limited customs, lack of education, job opportunities, and the added weight of being a spinster [27]. COVID-19 lockdowns appear to have created a perfect setting for a rise in violence against women.…”