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Attempted suicide in Oxford University students, 1976–1990

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Keith Hawton ,
Rex Haigh ,
Sue Simkin  and
Joan Fagg
Keith Hawton*
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Rex Haigh
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Sue Simkin
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Joan Fagg
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr K. Hawton, University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX.
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Synopsis

During the 14 years between the beginning of academic year 1976–7 and the end of academic year 1989–90, 216 Oxford University students (119 females and 97 males) were referred to the general hospital in Oxford because of suicide attempts (254 in all). The rate of attempted suicide during university term-time (106/100000) was lower than in other young people of similar age in Oxford City (164/100000). The difference was particularly marked in females (178/100000 v. 269/100000). The lower rate in the students may in part reflect their generally higher socio-economic status. Very few of the attempts by the students appeared to be failed suicides. The most frequent problems faced by the students at the time of their attempts were interpersonal, especially difficulties regarding partners, followed by academic problems. The latter were usually problems with ongoing course work rather than with the Finals examinations. Approximately a quarter of the students had psychiatric problems, with personality disorders and depression being most common. At least 30% had a history of previous attempts. Suggestions are made concerning measures for improving the management and prevention of attempted suicide by students.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , January 1995 , pp. 179 - 188
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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