The Role of Familial Environment and Financial Problems in Self-immolation

Introduction: One of the major issues in all health care systems is deliberate self-harm. Despite psychiatric improvements, suicide still remains a challenge, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the patients with self-immolation who are admitted in an academic burn center.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province from March 2018 to October 2018. All individuals who attempted suicide and admitted in burn department of Imam Raza Hospital were investigated. Demographic data were gathered through a standard checklist. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.Results: Overall 30 individuals committed suicide by self-immolation. Out of whom 7 were intubated with burnt total body surface area (TBSA) more than 85% and inhalational injury who were deceased and were not included in this study. The mean age of included ones was 27.0±10.5 years and 74% (17/23) were female. Mean burn TBSA was 47.2±21.9 percent (range 8-85). The case fatality rate was 39% (9/23). Mortality rate (42.9% vs. 37.5%) and burnt TBSA (51.7±25.6 vs. 41.2±13.2 percent) were not statistically different between those who deliberately intended to die and those who actually cried for help by committing suicide. Eighty-three percent were jobless for some time in the last year. Mean family size and the number of children was 4±1.6 and 1.6±1.7, respectively. Familial conflicts (69%) and financial difficulties (35%) were the most prevalent reasons for attempting suicide.Conclusion: Individual characteristics of suicide attempters are cornerstone data for designing prevention programs. Tailored intervention on high-risk groups like females, jobless and previous suicide attempters are of great importance.