Differences in Demographic and Psychological Variables in Suicide by Self-immolation and Poisoning

Self-immolation and intentional poisoning are two common methods for suicidal attempts in developing countries. Few studies have compared the characteristics of people who commit suicide by self-immolation or intentional poisoning. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare demographic, social, and psychological features between these two groups. In the present study, patients hospitalized after suicide by self-immolation in Shaheed Motahari Hospital, Tehran, were compared to patients hospitalized due to intentional poisoning in Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, in 2011. Demographic and psychological data were collected by interviews and questionnaires and analyzed by SPSS software (version 16). Overall, 50 patients with poisoning and 21 patients with self-immolation were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The mean age of the patients in the poisoning group was significantly lower than the self-immolation group (P=0.007). The number of married people in the self-immolation group was significantly higher than the poisoning group (P=0.014). Substance abuse was also significantly higher (P=0.048) and educational level was significantly lower (P=0.023) in the self-immolation group. However, the prevalence of anxiety disorders (P=0.001) and adjustment disorders (P=0.007) was significantly higher in the poisoning group than the self-immolation group. The findings of this study suggest the presence of differences between individuals who commit suicide by self-immolation or by poisoning in terms of demographic and psychological factors. Identification of these differences can be important in planning suicide prevention measures and education.