Attempted suicide in west London, II. Inter-group comparisons

Background. Previous studies of attempted suicide have suggested that cultu ral and social factors play a significant role in the causation of delibera te self-harm. Method. In order to measure elements of culture conflict two inter-group co mparisons were undertaken. In the first, 27 Asian women who had presented t o hospital services following attempted suicide (Asian group) were matched with a group of similar age Asian women attending GP surgeries for other re asons (Asian GP attenders group). The second comparison was between the Asi an and 46 White attempters. Results. On comparing Asian attempters with Asian GP attenders group the fo rmer were more likely to have a history of previous suicidal behaviour, to have a psychiatric diagnosis, and be unemployed. Their parents were more li kely to have arrived in the United Kingdom at an older age. In addition, th ose who attempted suicide were more likely to have been in an inter-racial relationship and to have changed religions. In the second inter-group compa rison, the characteristics of Asian and White suicide attempt patients were examined. White attempters were more likely to have mental illness, and we re more likely to use alcohol as part bf the method of attempted suicide. B y contrast, Asian attempters had experienced life events pertaining to rela tionships, took fewer tablets and yet expressed greater regret at not succe eding in the attempt. Conclusions. Although numbers are small, social stress and other cultural f actors play an important role in the act of deliberate self-harm.