SUICIDAL SELF POISONING AND ITS RELATION WITH PERSONALITY TRAITS AMONG ADMITTED CASES TO MENOUFIA POISONING CONTROL CENTER.

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide has been ranked among the top ten major causes of death worldwide. Self-poisoning throughout all ages is listed as one of the principal causes of unnatural deaths. Aim: Analysis of the pattern of suicidal self-poisoning cases with emphasis on its relationship with personality traits among admitted cases to Menoufia Poisoning Control Center (MPCC). Method: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study conducted on 1069 cases of suicidal self-poisoned cases attended to MPCC in one year. Data were collected including sociodemographic criteria, type of poison used, the severity of cases according to poisoning severity score, reasons for committing suicide, and the outcome. A personality questionnaire was fulfilled, which consisted of five personality traits: Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, and Conscientiousness. Results: Total number of 1069 suicidal self-poisoning cases were admitted to MPCC over one year. The highest number of them was between 10-20 years (38.4%). Females were more susceptible to suicidal poisoning than males. 78.7% were from rural areas; being single is a high-risk factor. The highest percentage of cases were students, and family troubles were the most common motive in attempting suicide, followed by economic and financial issues. Pesticides were the most used poison. 25.4% of cases were severe according to PSS, and the fatality rate reached 15.9%, where aluminum phosphide was the first claiming agent in this high death rate. Personality trait was a significant factor among people who attempted suicide with a significant difference regarding the gender and type of the used poison. Conclusion: Suicide self-poisoning is a considerable public health risk that should be given high attention; the most common age was between (1020) years. Females were more susceptible than males. Most cases were from rural areas. Most of them were students, and family troubles were the most common motive for attempting suicide. Pesticides were the most used poison, and the fatality rate reached 15.9%. Personality traits are a significant risk factor among people who attempt suicide.