Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident tat occurred on 26 April 1986 was the greatest technological disaster in history. There is evidence that the accident has had a significant long-term impact on psychological well-being of the affected population. In particular, the rate of suicidal behavior has increased dramatically among the exposed population. At the same time, little epidemiological information about parasuicidal individuals is available.

This study was design to extend our understanding of suicidal behavior by examining same of the socio-demographic and mental health characteristics of suicide attempters in the region affected by Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

From January 2009 to June 2010, we interviewed 443 suicide attempters (244 man and 199 women) received treatment at Gomel regional psychiatric hospital (Belarus).

The most important risk factors identified were younger age (18–29), being single or divorced (70.5% of males and 62.8% of females), being unemployed (59.1% of males and 68.7% of females), having mental disorders (71.7% of males and 87.9% of females), having previous suicide attempts (17.6% of males and 22.6% of females). The most frequent diagnoses were neurotic disorders and adjustment disorders for women and personality disorders for men. In this study, 57.8% of men and 34.2% of women had consumed alcohol before their parasuicide. Alcohol dependence was diagnosed in 48% of male parasuicides and 24.1% of female parasuicide.

These findings are consistent with previous research indicating a causal role for mental health problems and alcohol abuse in suicidal behavior.