Retrospective analysis of factors contributing to parasuicide among youth in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Parasuicide is a problem that affects the youth locally and globally. Parasuicide has negative psychological impacts on youth. This study was designed to assess elements of parasuicide in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality of South Africa, using records of patients admitted to Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals between 2016 and 2020. The purpose of the study was to conduct a descriptive retrospective review of parasuicide among youth to determine trends, causes, and contributing factors of committing parasuicide. Methods A retrospective, quantitative and descriptive study was conducted with 200 files of patients aged between 18 and 35 years conveniently sampled. These patients diagnosed as committed parasuicide and were admitted at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals over a period of four years from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 202. Only record files of patients’ residing in East London and Mdantsane catchment area were selected. Raw data was collected for a period of twelve weeks using a developed data collection tool developed in Ms Excel spreadsheet. Results In this sample, the large number of the patients were under 26 years (60.5%), female (57%), single (92.5%), and Black (99.5%). Furthermore, majority of the patients had attained secondary education (89.5%), were unemployed (83%) and living with their families (59%). There were different methods and agents used by participants to commit parasuicide and reasons differed from person to person. Among patients who reported a suicide attempt, organophosphates were most commonly used agent for self-poisoning (47%, n=94), followed by substances such as use of drugs and alcohol (n=57, 28.5%), violence (n=27, 13.5%), corrosive agents including bleach and Jik (n=11, 5.5%), and hydrogen peroxide including acidic sub-stances like battery acid (n=11, 5.5%). The common reason found in the study and indicates participants had psychiatric disorder (34.5%). Conclusion Limiting access to organophosphate agents and other lethal means is an effective strategy that should be adopted to prevent parasuicide among youth. Timely identification of risks or warning signs, social prevention and immediate intervention at the state level will play an important role in controlling parasuicide among youth. Moreover, improving health care services with psychotherapy support would empower youth with skills that would enhance their self-confidence, self-worth and resilience. Consequently, attainment of these attributes would result in the prevention and control of parasuicide amongst youth.Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202