Associated factors with self-inflicted burns among women in reproductive age in baghdad, iraq: a case control study

Self-inflicted burns are a regular source of admissions to burns unit's worldwide. However, there is limited evidence regarding risk factors that associated with self-inflicted burn.

To determine factors that associated with self-inflicted burn (SIB) among women in reproductive age in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sex, age and time matched case-control study was conducted among females with the age range 15 to 45 years in Baghdad, Iraq. Each case was individual matched to two controls in the similar age (± 1), sex and time when SIB happened. Controls were selected from the same hospital where the cases have been admitted in the same period. Data was collected on the variables age, occupation, education, marital status, socioeconomic status (SES), etc. Crude and adjusted odds Ratio (OR) were estimated by simple and multiple conditional logistic regression model.

We found a positive association between poor SES (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI (2.04 to 6.11)), family history of SIB (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI (1.14 to 4.18)), homelessness (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI (2.07 to 5.48)), subjected to physical (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI (1.35 to 2.95)) and sexual violence (AOR = 1.1; 95% CI (1.17 to 4.51)), having the history of health problem (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI (1.55 to 6.14)), feeling discrimination (AOR = 3.11; 95% CI (1.10 to 5.03)) and dissatisfaction with unstable living condition (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI (1.90 to 6.41)) with SIB.

Several and interlinked socioeconomic and behavioral factors were associated with SIB in women. Implementing multifaceted intervention is vital to prevent SIB among women with poor SES, living in temporary accommodation, and subjected to domestic violence.