Profile of self-harming patients admitted in a South African hospital

Self-harm, as intentionally hurting oneself, has grown to be a major public health issue in recent years. Such act can be carried out without the deliberate intent to kill oneself. This study aimed to profile self-harming patients admitted to a South African hospital.

A cross-sectional design based on retrospective record review of self-harming patients between June 2022 and May 2023 at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH).

Out of 223 records retrieved, the participants' mean age was 24.6 years. Their ages ranged from 13 years to 75 years. The majority were single (n = 198; 89.56%), unemployed (n = 103; 46.19%) and did not have any comorbidities (n = 171; 76.68%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (n = 19; 8.52%) was the most common comorbidity. Overdose and poisoning (n = 220; 98.65%) are common methods utilised, and with high rate happened in October (n = 39; 17.65%). The most common reasons were interpersonal, including family conflict (69; 30.80%) and relationship issues (n = 61; 27.23%). Age was linked with sex, comorbidities, method and reason (p = 0.008). Conflict was linked with females and relationship problems with males (p = 0.008).

Self-harm is common among single females under 40 years, often because of romantic and family conflicts. Age and sex influence risk, with younger females using over-the-counter medication, older females with retroviral diseases using prescriptions. Further research, including prevention, may assist in the management of the behavior.

An alarming and growing public health risk has been raised.