@article{ref1,
title="Self-Immolation in Iran",
journal="Journal of burn care and research",
year="2008",
author="Ahmadi, Alireza and Mohammadi, Reza and Stavrinos, Despina and Almasi, Afshin and Schwebel, David C.",
volume="29",
number="3",
pages="451-460",
abstract="Self-immolation (suicide by burning) is rare in high-income countries, but is reported more frequently in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Asia and Africa. Rates in Iran are among the highest in the world, with up to 71% of committed suicides conducted via self-immolation in some regions. The objective of this study was to identify the epidemiologic features and factors of self-immolation in Iran to aid in development of effective intervention programs. In a review study, two national databases were analyzed to identify demographic, geographic, cultural, economic, and health-related aspects of self-immolation that may vary across regions of Iran. Demographic information revealed that 27% of suicide cases in Iran were via self-immolation. Of those, 71% were female. The mean age was 29 years. Geographical features of self-immolation indicated that the self-immolation rate was higher in rural areas and in provinces that border the country. Provinces that were involved more intensively in postwar problems feature higher rates of self-immolation. People of Kurdish ethnicity were more likely to engage in self-immolation. Unemployment was a risk factor for self-immolation, while mental disorders and lack of access to health and treatment facilities did not play an important role for increasing the rate of self-immolation. Overall, this study demonstrates that self-immolation is a significant public health problem in some parts of Iran. This study clearly and consistently shows that self-immolation is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes.&quot;Victim stories-based&quot;intervention is discussed as a framework to increase coping skills on the individual and community levels. During the long-term, programs and strategies should focus on&quot;macrosocial-based&quot;interventions.  <p></p>  <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1559-047X",
doi="10.1097/BCR.0b013e31817112f1",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/BCR.0b013e31817112f1"
}