Epidemiology of Suicidal Attempts by Poisoning and Related Risk Factors in Pregnant Women in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran

Background Suicidal attempt is an important phenomenon among pregnant women in Iran. This study was designed to determine the epidemiological status and risk factors of suicidal attempts by poisoning in pregnant women. Materials and Methods All pregnant women who were referred to the poisoning department of Imam Reza Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) from November 2016 to November 2017, were evaluated in terms of suicidal attempts. Cases of poisoning with a suicidal intent were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. A checklist, including the baseline characteristics, risk factors, and underlying causes of suicide, was completed for every participant anonymously. After regaining consciousness, the participants were interviewed by a psychiatrist in the consultation room for 20 minutes, and the underlying psychiatric disorders, mood disorders, stressors, and suicidal thoughts were evaluated. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0). Results Among 40 pregnant women evaluated in this study, 87.5% did not have a stable job or income, 55% had difficult living conditions, 45% suffered from sleep disorders, 45% had suicidal thoughts, and 42.5% reported addiction in husband. In addition, 32.5% of women had a history of depression, 32.5% had previous suicidal attempts, 32.5% had abortion thoughts, 20% had a family history of suicide attempt, 17.5% were addicts, and 17.5% had a history of self-injury. Conclusion This study indicated that the most important factors associated with suicidal attempts by poisoning in pregnant women include lack of job and income, difficult living conditions, and history of psychiatric problems and addiction.