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Self-immolation a common suicidal behaviour in eastern Sri Lanka.

V Laloë1, M Ganesan

  • 1Médecins Sans Frontières, 50 Lady Manning Drive, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. veronique.laloe@bigfoot.com

Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|August 7, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Self-immolation using fire is a significant suicide method in Batticaloa, predominantly affecting young females with marital problems. This study highlights the high mortality and severe outcomes associated with fire-related suicides.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Batticaloa experiences a high incidence of self-immolation injuries.
  • Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of these burn injuries is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology, outcomes, and psychosocial factors of self-burning injuries in Batticaloa.
  • To compare fire-related suicides with accidental burns and other suicide methods.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 87 patients admitted with self-burning injuries over two years.
  • Comparison with accidental burn cases and patients who died by poisoning.
  • Analysis of demographic, social, and clinical data.

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Main Results:

  • 79% of victims were females aged 15-34, often experiencing marital problems.
  • Median burn extent was 48% of total body surface area (TBSA), primarily affecting the upper body.
  • High mortality rate (70%) for fire suicides, exceeding accidental burns even after matching for age and burn extent.
  • Survivors faced prolonged hospital stays and severe disfigurement.
  • Cases denying self-harm but with suggestive injuries mirrored suicide group demographics.
  • Poison suicides showed male predominance and under-representation of Muslims.

Conclusions:

  • Fire is a significant and highly lethal suicide method in the study area.
  • Social factors and poor problem-solving skills may contribute to self-immolation.
  • Urgent public health strategies are needed to address this issue.