Studying Survivors of Near-Fatal Suicide Attempts By Poisoning: Qualitative Study

Background: Near-fatal suicide attempts by poisoning increase the risk of subsequent suicide and results in hospitalizations due to health damage caused by chemical agents. There have been no studies in Brazil considering the factors related to the choice of self-poisoning in near-fatal suicide attempts and individual awareness of hazards if non-lethal outcome. Aims: Investigate the factors influencing the decision to use poisoning in near-fatal suicide attempts and the perception of its dangers in case of survival. Method: Exploratory qualitative research with 17 adult patients who had near-fatal suicide attempts by self-poisoning hospitalized at a general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Results: Patients reported three main reasons for the choice of method: the expectation of death without suffering, the belief of its efficacy as a suicide method, and ease of access to chemical agents. None considered the health risks associated with the chemical agents if they survived due to impulsivity and misinformation. Conclusion: Most participants chose self-poisoning with the expectation of death without suffering. Importantly, although half the sample required hospitalization, none had considered the risks associated with the use of such chemical agents. We conclude that prevention strategies should inform the possible health damages related to the use of chemical agents for people at risk of suicide.