GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PATIENTS ATTEMPTING SUICIDE ADMITTED IN MEDICAL WARD OF A TEACHING HOSPITAL

Objective To examine gender differences in the characteristics of suicidal behavior in patients admitted to Medical ward of a teaching hospital in Tamilnadu. Methods. The sample was drawn from the general medical ward of a medical college hospital in Tamilnadu. Participants were recruited for the study after being admitted in a general medical ward following a suicide attempt during the period between September 2010 and October 2010. Consecutive 30 male patients and 30 female patients were selected. Sociodemographic data was collected in a specially designed proforma. The Beck suicidal intent scale (BSI) was used to rate the suicidal intent while Lethality was assessed with Risk rescue rating scale. The Patients were interviewed for the presence of psychiatric disorders and the diagnoses were made based on ICD 10 CDDG. Socio demographic variables were compared between men and women using chi square tests and t tests. Difference in Items of RRRS between groups were analyzed by using chi square and t tests.