Attempted suicides in the municipality of Padua (Italy): a retrospective survey (1996-2000)

This study was conduced to determine attempted suicide (AS) rates in Padua between 1996 and 2000, to compare them with Italy and other Veneto areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It's an analysis of Police and Carabinieri reports. For each case, they indicate age, sex, marital status, mental and physical disorders, emotional disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and method of attempted suicide. RESULTS: The annual rate of AS between 1996-2000 ranged from 14.3 (1996) to 3 (2000) per 10(5) inhabitants, with the highest rates in early Autumn; 57.7% of suicide attempts involved females. There is a peak between ages 25 and 34 years, with a higher incidence among females (p < 0.05). Divorce and single status appear to be important risk conditions, especially in females. Mental disorders (especially depression) are the most important condition prior to AS. Both genders have attempted suicide especially by poisoning or falling. CONCLUSION: In Padua AS rates are rather high by comparison with the regional average, but lower than in Verona. Marital status and loneliness (with various age-related peculiarities) influence AS rates and relational problems, inability to overcome frustration (in 10-44 year-olds) may play an important part. The use of educational tools, beginning in the early school years is very important, paying special attention to personal and family distress.