THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PARASUICIDE IN EDMONTON

The objective of this study was to examine some of the characteristics of parasuicides in Edmonton and to calculate rates of parasuicide. Th e method involved examining all records of parasuicides attending the University of Alberta Hospitals for a six month period (20% of all par asuicides in Edmonton are treated at the University of Alberta Hospita ls). The results indicated that 58% of 275 subjects were single. The m ost frequent method (88.6%) of parasuicide was overdose. The peak age group was 25 to 29 years of age. The age range was 12 to 80 years (six percent < 15 years), mean age 30.2. The female to male ratio (cases) was 1.6:1; 30.2% were admitted; 46.5% received psychiatric emergency c onsulation; 41% had made a previous parasuicide. Calculated rates of p arasuicide in Edmonton were at 448/100,000/year for those 15 years and older (men 357, women 534). The overall rate is higher than that foun d in any centre in the WHO/EURO investigation. The conclusion is that parasuicide presents a significant public health problem, and a cost b urden on the health care system.