Comparison between Natives and Foreigners who Visited an Emergency Center due to Suicidal Attempt

초록

Purpose: In an effort to determine the characteristics of foreignsuicides who visit an emergency center, this studyanalyzed suicidal attempt between natives and foreigners. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,218Korean and 149 foreign suicidal attempters who visited aregional emergency center from January 1, 2009 toDecember 31, 2013. We compared two groups accordingto age, sex, selected suicidal methods, past psychiatric history,medical examination and treatment acceptance,elapsed time to visit an emergency center after suicidalattempt, emergency center residence time, and hospitalizationperiod. Results: No difference in medical exam acceptance andtetanus vaccination was observed between the two groups. However, we found a difference in hospitalization acceptance. The prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders waslower in foreign suicides, and the refusal rate of psychiatrictreatment was higher in foreign patients. Conclusion: In foreign suicides, social support includingfinance is required for easy access to health care service. Inaddition, more active interdisciplinary cooperation with thedepartment of psychiatry and close observation is needed.

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