A Study on Deliberate Self-Harm by Poisoning and Associated Risk Factors at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital
2024

Study on Self-Harm by Poisoning in Sri Lanka

Sample size: 101 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Singhapathirana Suranga, Mayurathan Pakkiyaretnam

Primary Institution: Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, LKA

Hypothesis

What demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological factors contribute to self-harm by poisoning in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka?

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the risk factors associated with self-harm by poisoning in Sri Lanka.

Supporting Evidence

  • 54.5% of patients were aged 18-29.
  • Substance abuse was prevalent in 33.7% of cases.
  • 75.2% of patients were admitted within six hours of poisoning.
  • 50% of patients reported stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 99% of patients were successfully discharged after treatment.

Takeaway

This study shows that many young people in Sri Lanka hurt themselves by taking poison, often because of problems at home or with money.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 patients using a structured questionnaire to collect data on various factors related to self-harm.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the study being conducted in a single location and reliance on self-reported data.

Limitations

The study was conducted at a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Majority of participants were aged 18-29, with a slight majority being women; many had low educational attainment and were unemployed.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.73971

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