Citation

Zaidan ZAJ, Burke DT, Dorvlo ASS, Al-Naamani A, Al-Suleimani A, Al-Hussaini AA, Al-Sharbati MM, Al-Adawi S. Trop. Med. Int. Health 2002; 7(6): 549-556.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1046/j.1365-3156.2002.00887.x

PMID

12031079

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics, precipitating factors, substances and methods used for deliberate self-harm in Oman.
METHODS: Data were extracted from the Accident and Emergency (A & E) records of patients treated at the A & E units in Muscat from 1993 to 1998. Data were obtained form the history, and clinical findings resulting form deliberate self-harm.
RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 123 persons presented to various hospitals in the Muscat area with injuries that resulted form deliberate self-harm. Most of these cases were women, students and unemployed. There was a high incidence of family, marital and psychiatric or social problems. The methods of self-harm were most often analgesics (such as paracetamol) and non-pharmaceutical chemicals.
CONCLUSIONS: The rate of self-injurious behaviour is low in Oman, compared with other countries, including other Islamic countries. The data illustrate a rising rate and a tendency to ingest toxic doses of analgesics or non-pharmaceutical chemicals.

Language: en

Keywords

Acculturation; Adult; Educational Status; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Marital Status; Medical Records; Oman; Poisoning; Sex Distribution; Unemployment