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Reproductive Health and Wellness

Suicide attempts during Pregnancy in South Africa

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Background: Research on suicide attempts during pregnancy is limited as these are considered
to be rare in the perinatal period.

Aim: A retrospective pilot study was undertaken to establish what percentage of suicide
attempters admitted to a hospital were pregnant and to identify their clinical and
sociodemographic characteristics.

Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Durban, South Africa.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all female patients admitted
following suicide attempts over a period of 1 year. Clinical and sociodemographic data of
pregnant suicide attempters were extracted.

Results: Of 27 charts reviewed, 33% (n = 9) patients were pregnant at the time of the attempt.
V Code diagnoses predominated, followed by major depressive disorder. Past psychiatric
diagnoses and suicide attempts were also present
Conclusion: Suicide attempts during pregnancy are not rare. Pregnant women should be
routinely screened for prior suicide attempts, depression and stressors as part of perinatal
assessments.

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Language
English
ISSN
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Subject(s)
South Africa
Pregnancy
Suicide
Suicidal behaviour
Clinical
Sociodemographic data
Depression and stressors
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Article
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