Citation

Chowdhury AN, Sanyal D, Dutta SK, Weiss MG. Int. Med. J. 2003; 10(2): 85-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Reducing suicide rates by preventing deliberate self-harm is a major concern for community-based mental health policy and programmes. Deliberate self-harm (DSH) by ingestion of pesticides is a frequent phenomenon in agricultural communities. This study examined patterns of morbidity and mortality over a five-year period (1995-1999) associated with DSH and their geographical distribution in Sagar Island of the Sundarban region of West Bengal, India. This study seeks to examine the relationship between DSH and availability of pesticide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective and prospective DSH data collection from the indoor admissions of a rural hospital of Sagar Island.

RESULTS: During this period there were a total of 488 cases (180 male and 308 female) of deliberate self-harm by ingestion of toxic substances ascertained from hospital admissions to the Sagar Rural Hospital, Rudranagar, where all such admissions on the island are treated. Among these, 16 males and 48 females died, indicating a higher fatality rate for women (15.6% compared with 8.9%). Demographic features and characteristic familial and other social stressors were also studied. DSH was found to be more frequent in areas where betel leaf vine is the predominant cash crop. Young females were the most frequent demographic group by age and sex to present for treatment of DSH in the government health clinics. Typical stressors included family quarrels, marital discord, dowry-related conflict, and broken love affairs.

CONCLUSION: DSH by agrochemical poisoning is a serious public health issue in the Sundarban islands. Proper attention is called for to how recognition of ecological factors and typical social stressors may indicate ways of reducing morbidity and mortality from DSH in the context of a community mental health programme.

Language: en

Keywords

Pesticide poisoning; Deliberate self-harm; Sundarban