PATTERN OF DELIBERATE SELF HARM AMONG PATIENTS TREATED AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KERALA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Greeshma George; Dr Jose Vincent

Volume : X, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

PATTERN OF DELIBERATE SELF HARM AMONG PATIENTS TREATED AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KERALA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Greeshma George, Dr Jose Vincent

Abstract :

Background: – Deliberate self–harm is cited as an emerging menace to global public health which needs specific intervention measures to reduce its contribution to the Global Burden Of Disease. Methods: – This record based cross–sectional study aimed to determine the current pattern of deliberate self–harm amongst 181 cases treated from March 2018 to July 2019 by analysing case sheets filed at the Medical Records Liary. Results: – Poisoning (72.9%) was the most frequently used mode of deliberate self–harm followed by hanging (17.1%). Drug overdose accounts for 47.4% of poisoning cases of which Paracetamol, being the most commonly employed drug in 35.9% of drug poisoning cases. The most affected was the young age group (15–24 years) with a female preponderance. Alcohol dependence as a precipitating factor was identified only among males while Interpersonal relationship issues, Marital Discord were the most common among females.