Evaluating the frequency of Self-Immolation and its Relationship with Social and Demographic Status of the Patients Referring to Ghotboddin E Shirazi during the Years 2006 and 2011

Suicide is the act of injuring oneself in order to destruct one’s life. One of the worst ways to attempt suicide, especially in eastern countries, is self- burning. This study aimed to show the frequency of self- burning and its relationship with social and demographic status. In this cross-sectional study, all medical records of patients who admitted to Ghotbeddin E Shirazi hospital for burns during the years 2006 and 2011 were collected. The data were analyzed by SPSS-16 software, descriptive statistical methods and chi-square tests. The results showed that from 2071 cases of burn patients admitted to Ghotbeddin E Shirazi Hospital, 439 cases (21.1%) have been caused by self-immolation. The proportion of self-immolation among women was 70.7%, in married was 58.4%, and in rural population was 56.6%. It was most prevalent in the age group of 25-44 years old (47.4%). In most cases, self-immolation was occurred with flammable liquids especially oil and gasoline (71.8% and 17.3%, respectively) and at home (90/8%). 67.8% of cases lead to death. (Case-fatality rate was 67.8%). The most cause of self-immolation attempting was family disputes. High self-immolation rate in females and the age group of adolescents and youth is significant which should be considered as an important issue in terms of health.