A Nation-Wide Evidence-Based Data Analysis of Repeated Suicide Attempts

Background: Taiwan is a high-risk area for suicide. Repeated suicide attempts are an important factor of suicide mortality. Yet there has been little research on the factors associated with repeated suicidal behavior in Taiwan. Aims: To explore the characteristics of repeated suicide attempts. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database for 2005 to 2008. We then classified repeated suicide attempts into single method, two different methods, and three different methods. Results: A total of 1,004 inpatients were admitted to Taiwanese hospitals due to repeated suicide attempts, and the use of a single suicide method constituted the majority of the cases (71%). Risk factors related to repeated suicide attempts included being female, aged 30-39, suicide by poisoning using solid and/or liquid substances, the fall season, living in Northern Taiwan, more psychiatric nature of injury codes (N-codes), seeking medical attention from a psychiatrist, receiving more surgeries or procedures, a longer length of stay in a hospital, coming from a low-income background, and having a serious illness. Conclusions: Consultation and treatment are particularly crucial for patients with mental illnesses and other concomitant diseases, so that the psychiatric symptoms such as auditory and visual hallucinations can be controlled.