Intentional self-poisoning that is widely used all over the world is one of the most common methods of
suicide. This study aim was to determine the rate of attempted intentional self-poisoning and to identify
high risk persons in the west of Iran (Kermanshah). A total of 3138 people (1279 M and 1859 F) studied.
The average annual rate of suicide in Kermanshah was 153 persons per 100 000 people. The most
number of attempted intentional self-poisoning (55.5%) were in the 20e29 year age group. The most
popular toxic substances for self-poisoning were drugs (71%) and oil and fuels (15%), respectively. The
most number of intentional self-poisoning suicides are attempted by drugs. By considering the high rate
of intentional self-poisoning, low age of suicide attempts and also its high mortality rate in Kermanshah,
it is necessary to stop the opportunity to buy over-the-counter (OTC) drugs , especially those being most
misused.