J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2009 Sep;48(5):368-373.

The Characteristics of Suicide Attempts and Psychosocial Risk Factors in Correctional Institutions

• Kang BJ
• Nam YY
• Ko SM
• Lee HS
• Hong KE

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Suicide is one of the most common causes of deaths in correctional institutions. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of suicide attempts and its related psycho-social factors in correctional institutions.
METHODS
This study examined the characteristics of 101 suicide attempts from 2006 to 2007 in the two regional correctional headquarters. Thirty-seven male inmates (43 suicide attempts) and 40 matched controls were included in interviews and reviews of personal records. Psychiatric illnesses were examined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and medical outcomes of their suicide attempts with the Lethality Scale of Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies.
RESULTS
Over a half of suicide attempts occurred in solitary cells and the most common method was hanging. Medically, 70% of the suicide attempts were more than severe. Poor social support, a lifetime history of suicide attempts, and incarceration were associated with suicide attempts. Additionally, psychiatric illnesses were more likely to increase the risk of suicide.
CONCLUSION
This study implies that mental health issues and monitoring systems are important to reduce suicides in the correctional system. Regular checks and management of suicide risk and mental illness are crucial to prevent suicide in correctional institutions.

Keyword

Suicide; Suicide attempt; Suicide risk; Correctional institution; Mental illness

MeSH Terms

Cause of Death
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Humans
Male
Mental Health
Risk Factors
Suicide