Citation

Chowdhury AN, Banerjee S, Brahma A, Biswas MK. ISRN Psychiatry 2013; 2013: 427417.

Affiliation

Stuart Road Resource Centre, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Corby, Northants NN17 1RJ, UK ; Institute of Psychiatry, 7 D. L. Khan Road, Kolkata 700025, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Hindawi Publishing)

DOI

10.1155/2013/427417

PMID

23738218

Abstract

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a major public health problem in the Sundarban region, India. This study is aimed to develop a DSH-suicide prevention programme based on the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Perception and opinion of community about the problem of pesticide-related DSH and suicide were elicited in a series of facilitated focus group discussions in Namkhana block of Sundarban region. Based on their suggestion, a broad preventive programme was launched involving the development of information, education, and communication (IEC) and training modules and training of the stakeholders of the block. Most of the members of each target group found that the IEC materials were culture fair (message is acceptable, understandable, and meaningful in the local context) and very useful. Analysis of Dwariknagar BPHC, DSH admission data showed a definite reduction of DSH incidents after this CBPR approach to prevention was initiated. Similar model of DSH prevention in the other blocks of Sundarban region or in agricultural community may help to reduce the enormous mortality and morbidity from pesticide-related DSH and suicide.

Language: en