Socio-Demographic Variables and Psychiatric Morbidity in Self Inflicted Burns Victims – Cross Sectional Observational Study

Aim: To assess the Socio-demographic profile, Stressful live events, Suicidal intent, Psychiatric morbidity and pattern of injury in self-inflicted burns victims. Design: It is a cross-sectional observational study. Methodology: 60 consecutive cases were administered with special proforma for collecting Socio-demographic data, Presumptive stressful life event scale, Becks suicide intent scale and Mini International Neuropsychiatric interview. Depending on the presence or absence of psychiatric morbidity patients were divided into two groups. The two groups were then compared with regards to socio-demographic profile, suicide intent, PSLE scores, time of attempt and pattern of burns injury using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Majority belonged to less than 30 years of age and 2/3rd are females. Majority studied up to primary education and more than half were unemployed. On PLSE Majority had >3 life events. Family history of suicidal attempts present in 15% of the victims and >80% of the victims had moderate to high intent. 2/3rd of the victim had body surface area (TBSA) between 41-60% and >2/3rd attempted between 5pm -5am. 45% of the sample had psychiatric morbidity, most common was Depression. On comparison of two groups Significant difference noted in suicidal intent among individuals with psychiatric morbidity, where as Socio-demographic factors, time of attempt, pattern of burns injury and PSLE events and score did not show any significance between the two. Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity and Stressful life events were risk factors for suicidal burns. By understanding multiple variables, suicidal intent and various psychiatric morbidity we can identify more vulnerable person for suicide and by giving more focus we can definitely prevent further suicide attempts and can reduce suicide mortality.