Suicidal behavior by burns: A prospective population-based study from Iran

The aim of the study was to examine epidemiologic characteristics differences of suicidal behavior by burns requiring hospitalization between urban and rural settings in the provinces of Khorasan and Ilam in Iran. A prospective population-based study of all suicidal behaviors by burns requiring hospitalization was conducted from March 21, 2005 to March 20, 2006. Data were obtained from patients, family members, and/or significant others through interviews during the course of hospitalization. A total of 181 patients with suicidal behavior by burns requiring hospitalization were identified during the study period, representing an overall incidence rate of 8.0 per 100,000 person-year (P-Y). The rate of suicidal behavior by burns among the rural population was slightly higher than the urban population (8.1 vs. 7.9 per 100,000 P-Y) (P > 0.05). Females in both urban and rural settings had a higher rate of suicidal behavior by burns than males (P < 0.001). The age-specific rate of suicidal behavior by burns peaked at age group 20-29 years for both urban and rural areas (19.6 and 18.9 per 100,000 P-Y, respectively). The most frequent precipitating factor for suicidal behavior was marital conflicts in both urban and rural areas. The high rate of suicidal behavior by burns among young, married women in both urban and rural areas is an alarming social tragedy. Despite substantial efforts toward improving health and human rights, persistent conditions allow violence against women in Iran and that these women continue to turn to the desperate remedy of self-burning.