The Suicidality in Thai population: A National survey

Abstract

Objectives: To study the rate of suicidality and factors related to the Thai people.

Methodology: Nationally representative faceto-face household survey based on a stratified clustered sampling of people aging 15 to 59 ( n = 17,140). The data were conducted between June and August 2008 using Mini International Neuropsychiatric
Interview (M.I.N.I.) module C. Suicidality and general information questionnaire by trained psychiatric professionals. The data analysis was determined by means adjusted weight
of rate generalized to Thai population and analyzed with descriptive statistical methods by attaining percentage of mean, proportions, standard errors, population estimation
and probability inference from the data.

Results: The overall national rate of suicidality accounted for 7.3%, the severity risk of suicide was found mild 6.0%, moderate 0.6% and severe 0.7%. The highest risk of suicide was found in the north (8.8%, severe degree 1.3%) females (8.6%), age of 35 to 44 (8.1%), separated, divorced or widowed (11.8%), being unemployed (13.8%), mood disorders with psychotic features (87.9%), current manic episode (64.3%).

Conclusions: For effective surveillance and prevention of suicide in Thailand’s population, the focus should be on the population of Northern provinces, females, those in productive age, being unemployed and those concurrently having mental disorders particulary, mood disorders.