Repetition of deliberate self-harm as seen in Uganda

Described is the presentation of repetition of deliberate self-harm (DSH) as seen in an African population in urban Uganda. A Luganda version (local language in study area) of the modified European Parasuicide Interview Schedule I (EPSIS I) was used to collect the data. An univariate analysis was conducted. Results indicated that repeaters of DSH differed significantly from non-repeaters on several dimensions. The factors included were: more often single, less often had children, staying alone or with their parents, reported sexual problems as a precipitant of current DSH event, more negative life events in childhood and less negative life events in the last year. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis was conducted resulting in only sexual problems and the psychological factor of trait anger, which retained statistical significance. The significance of these findings is discussed.