Temporal patterns of suicide attempts in India: A Comprehensive analysis by time of day, week, and hour, stratified by age, sex, and marital status, and examining suicidal methods distribution

Background

Suicide carries a significant global burden. There may be patterns or seasonality in suicide rates, which are possibly linked to environmental factors and mood.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the temporal patterns of completed suicide attempts, focusing on the time of suicide attempt instead death time. Data were collected from autopsies and examined through day/night, morning/afternoon/evening/night-time, hourly, and weekday distribution.

Results

Demographic analysis revealed higher prevalence among young adults and married individuals and attempts occurred in the afternoon and evening. Male suicide attempts peaked between 4 pm and 6 pm, while female attempts peaked at 6 pm. Hanging was the most common method. Weekday trends showed higher attempts on Fridays and Mondays.

Conclusion

Understanding temporal patterns of suicide attempts help in developing targeted preventive strategies. Resources can be allocated more efficiently during high-risk times to reduce the likelihood of completed suicides. Identifying vulnerable individuals, such as young adults and married individuals during the afternoon and evening hours allows for closer monitoring and intervention, with heightened vigilance on Fridays and Mondays.