Suicide rate in Hungary is among the highest in the European Union (2015: 18.9/100,000 inhabitant). Although there is no national registration system of suicide attempts in Hungary, according to previous studies Hungarian Romas have three times higher suicide attempt rate than non-Romas.

The aim of this study was to explore socio-demographic and mental health risk factors of multiple suicide attempts in Hungary.

A total of 1547 suicide attempts were assessed via retrospective data analysis using patient records. Data on socio-demographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, methods and reported reasons of suicide attempts were investigated. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for multiple suicide attempts.

The ratio of multiple attempters were 37.7% in the sample, with a Roma predominance (Roma: 51.8%, non-Roma: 34.8%, χ2(1) = 27.64; P < 0.001). Of the potential factors examined, Roma ethnicity (OR: 2,03; CI: 1.53–2.70; P < 0.001), economic inactivity (OR: 1.7; CI: 1.36–2.18; P < 0.001), mood disorders (OR: 1.58; CI: 1.25–1.99; P < 0.001), personality disorders (OR: 2.09; CI: 1.45–3.01; P = 0.00), organic mental disorders (OR: 1.76; CI: 1.01–3.07; P = 0.44) and mistreatment as reported reasons (OR: 3.95; CI: 1.17–13.32; P = 0.02) were found as significant risk factors of multiple suicide attempts.

National registration of suicide attempts would be necessary for a more thorough analysis. Beside the more advanced treatment of mental health disorders, increased efforts in prevention are recommended with a special focus of low SES groups and Roma ethnicity. The specific background factors in Roma ethnic group should be further examined.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.