Citation

Rajapakse TN, Griffiths KM, Cotton S, Christensen H. Ceylon Med. J. 2016; (61): 154-158.

Affiliation

Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. gemba471@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Sri Lanka Medical Association)

DOI

10.4038/cmj.v61i4.8380

PMID

28076943

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Attempted or non-fatal self-poisoning is an important public health problem in Sri Lanka. Current evidence from Sri Lanka suggests that this phenomenon is more common among young people, and females, and is associated with a recent interpersonal conflict. International studies indicate that recent non-fatal selfharm is associated with an increased risk of repetition and completed suicide. Prospective follow-up data regarding rates of repetition of self-harm in Sri Lanka is limited.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the rate of repetition, and rate of suicidal ideation, at one-year follow up among those who have survived an act of selfpoisoning.

METHODS: Participants who presented to the toxicology unit, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya over a 14-month period, for medical management of non-fatal self-poisoning, were contacted by telephone one-year following the initial presentation.

RESULTS: A total of 949 persons were included in the study, of which 35.3% (n=335) were contactable at one-year follow-up. The rate of repetition of self-harm after one year was 2.5% and 2.7% of participants had suicidal ideation at one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: The rate of repetition of self-harm in Sri Lanka is lower than the rate reported in the West (15%).

Language: en