O-07 Examining the Factors Associated with Violent Fatal Suicide Attempts in Jamaica

Methods: The Jamaica Constabulary Force maintains a comprehensive database of individuals who died by suicide. This study analyzed data from 2010 to 2019, comparing violent methods (hanging, using a firearm, jumping from a height, self-inflicted stabbing, self-immolation, and electrocution) to non-violent methods (poisoning and drowning). Logistic regression identified risk factors associated with 24 violent methods. Variables included in the model were age group, employment status, gender, geographical location and seasonal variation. Statistical analyses were conducted using R software, version 4.2.0., and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: There were 459 suicide cases in the study, of which 86.3% (n=396) were males. Most individuals were young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 (40.5%), lived in rural areas (57.1%), were employed (56.3%) and worked as trade workers and farmers (40%). Hanging was the frequent method of FSA for both males (74%) and females (83.9%). Firearms were only used by males. Approximately 15% of females and 11% of males preferred non-violent methods. Adults were 11.9 times (p=0.028) more likely than individuals aged 17 and under to use a violent method. Being employed was associated with a 16.7 times (p=0.009) decreased risk of using a violent method. Violent methods were 2.94 times (p=0.029) less likely in rural areas compared to urban locations.

Conclusion: Violent methods of FSA in Jamaica are more likely among adults, those not employed and in urban settings. Recognizing this profile may help guide the evaluation of suicide risk in clinical settings and preventative efforts related to FSA risk. O-08 Blood Pressure Control and its Associated Risk.