Pattern and Trend of Deliberate Self‐Harm in Western Nepal

Abstract

Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) not only affect the people directly involved, but also have grave psychological and social impact on the family and community. In the present study, a cohort of 173 cases of DSH reported from April 2002 to March 2005 was retrospectively analyzed, by perusing the medicolegal register maintained by the Emergency Department at the Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara in the Western Development Region of Nepal. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 10.1. More than two-thirds of total cases were females. About 60% of cases were observed in the age group of 15-24 years. Poisoning (89.6%) was the most preferred method of deliberate self-harm. Organophosphate pesticides were consumed in nearly two-thirds of the poisoning cases. The majority of cases were reported during the months of May to July and had occurred during the last quarter of the day. More than a twofold increase was observed in the frequency of cases during the 3-year study period. The said observations were compared and contrasted with the available literature across the globe. The presentation is concluded by highlighting the limitations encountered in Nepal and the scope to overcome the same.

Methods used and reasons for deliberate self harm: A cross-sectional study in acute care setting of Eastern Nepal

“…3 Studies of deliberate self harm in western Nepal, and another have also shown a high rate of attempted suicide in young people, especially those in the age range of 15-24 years, with the maximum number of patients falling within these age ranges. 13,14 In this study there were male to female ratio is 1:1 while Shakya, reported a female preponderance with a ratio of 2:5.…”

Why Are So Many Nepali Women Killing Themselves? A Review Of Key Issues

“…This is due to the remoteness and inaccessibility for amenities such as education, healthcare and the potential for higher incomes. Finally, those living with an abusive husband are more likely to commit suicide [15][16].…”

“…It is thought that one suicide substantially affects six people surrounding it [15]. Therefore it is important to consider the implications that the high rates of suicide in women of a reproductive age has on others.…”

“…Women of reproductive age suffer the highest rates of suicide and mental health problems in Nepal [13][14][15]. The number of suicides within this group has increased from 22 per 100,000 in 1998 to 28 per 100,000 in 2008.Suicide is now the leading causes of death for women of a reproductive age in Nepal [12].…”

Mental health services in Nepal: Is it too late?

“…In Nepal it is women of a reproductive age that suffer the highest rates of suicide and mental health problems [20][21][22]. The number of suicides within this group has increased from 22 per 100,000 in 1998 to 28 per 100,000 in 2008 [23].…”