Suicide attempts among the homeless population and associated factors

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with suicide attempts by homeless individuals in a public shelter. Methods This cross-sectional study had a non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data collection was carried out in the period July-December 2020 using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the “Drug Use Questionnaire” and “Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test” questionnaires. The questionnaires were applied to 199 homeless males in the city of São Paulo. Univariate analysis was performed between the outcome variable (suicide attempt) and potential associated factors. The following independent variables were analyzed: sociodemographic data (age, education, children, and skin color), religion, time spent living on the streets, and use of psychoactive substances. Results The sample consisted of 54.8% of individuals aged 41-60 years, 75.9% self-declared as black- or brown-skinned, 97.5% with some religious belief, 24.6% of the interviewees reported living on the streets for 5-10 years, 72.8% reported using alcohol, and 34.8% presented a probable dependence. Of those who attempted suicide, 51.6% reported using drugs and 32.3% reported abusing prescription drugs. Conclusion In this population, the proportion of people with suicide attempts was 31.2%. Consumption of ten or more drinks of alcohol per day, abuse of more than one drug, abuse of prescription drugs, and time spent living on the streets for 5-10 years were the factors associated with attempted suicide.