High prevalence of medicine-induced attempted suicides among females in Nuuk, Greenland, 2008–2009

BACKGROUND The suicide rate in Greenland, especially among men, is among the highest in the world. Attempted suicide rates may be high also. However, the rates of attempted suicide are unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to estimate the age- and gender-specific incidence of attempted suicide using medicine in Nuuk in 2008-2009. DESIGN An observational retrospective study of consecutive medical records on patients admitted to Dronning Ingrids Hospital in Nuuk in 2008-2009 with possible medicine intoxication. RESULTS Seventy-four (60 females and 14 men) cases of attempted suicide using medicine were included. Of those, 43 used paracetamol alone or in combination with other medicine. The incidence of attempted suicide using medicine was higher among females than males (p < 0.001). The highest incidence of attempted suicide with paracetamol was found among women aged 20-24 years (0.84%). The highest incidence of suicide with medication (1.31 per 100 inhabitants per year) was among women aged 15-19 years. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of attempted suicide using medicine was high in Nuuk, Greenland, especially among women. The highest incidence of suicide attempts with medication was observed among women in the age group 15-19 years (1.31%). This may reflect psychosocial vulnerability among young people in Greenland. Initiatives to improve living conditions for children and adolescents are highly recommended to be initiated immediately.