Attempted Suicide In Fiji

Characteristics of hospitalized clients who were referred for counselling because of attempted suicide were compared to those of hospitalized clients who were referred for counselling for reasons other than attempted suicide in the four major hospitals in Fiji. The prevalence of warning signs in clients referred for attempted suicide was explored in order to better understand the factors associated with attempted suicide in Fiji, thus providing information to inform clinical practice in Fiji. Binary logistic regression and multivariable regression statistics were used to assess the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and referral group. Of the 5581 hospitalized cases that were referred for general counselling 2.7% were referred for attempted suicide. Those in the attempted suicide group were more likely to be non-Indigenous Fijian race, male, younger age, unmarried and have higher education. The most predominant triggers identified by those attempting suicide were: loss, including interpersonal, identity and financial as well as family instability. Over half of the people who had attempted suicide in this sample acknowledged having low self-control, which was consist across age, race and gender. Over 10% acknowledged a previous attempt. There were significant differences in the presence of warning signs between the beginning and end of counselling. Attempted suicide is an important public health concern in Fiji. Specific demographic and clinical predictors may assist counsellors in targeting most those most at risk.