Suicide attempt in a rural area of Vietnam: Incidence, methods used and access to mental health care

All suicide attempters (104) during 2003-2007 were listed, diagnosed and re-evaluated by trained physicians according to the research criteria of the WHO Multicentre Study of Attempted Suicide. All attempters were interviewed by trained medical staff to investigate methods used, socio-demographic characteristics and use of health services.The yearly incidence was 10.2 per 100000 person-years, 10.6 per 100000 in males and 9.8 per 100000 in females. 99% of cases committed suicide attempt by poisoning, 62.6% by pesticides and 36.3% by pharmaceutical drugs. 34.3% reported having been in contact with somatic care and 13.2% had received mental health care. Among those who reported some treatment received, 47.5% had been in contact with official health care services, 8.1% had pharmacy keepers' consultation or were treated by traditional healers and 4% reported self treatment.The incidence of suicide attempt was lower in this population compared to other settings. While the majority of attempters use pesticides, many had used psychotropic drugs. Contact with mental health services following the attempt was very limited in this setting. Suicide prevention for this high risk group should focus on reducing access to pesticides and psychotropic drugs. Mental health services should be made more accessible in rural areas.Suicide attempt is both one of the strongest risk factors for completed suicide and an important indicator of extreme emotional distress [1]. There are no figures on the exact number of suicide attempts in the world as most countries lack monitoring systems. Studies on suicide attempt are most often conducted in hospital settings or in epidemiological catchments areas. The estimated average annual rates of suicide attempt in recent decades range from 2.6 to 1,100 per 100,000 person-years [2]. There are differences in suicide attempt rates between countries; for example, the rate has been estimated to 357-534 per 100,000 in Canada, 900-1100 per 100,000 in Finland,