Epidemilogy of self-burning in burns unit of Imam Reza (AS) Hipital in Birjand (1999-2004)

Suicide is a self-destructive behavior and of all forms of self-harm. Burning by fire is perhaps the most dramatic and potentially fatal. The proportion of self-inflicted burns among patients admitted to burns wards ranges from 0.37% to 40%, with considerable variation around the world. In Iran, according to available data from 10 to 15 percent of burn patients admitted were those who have burned themselves. This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to assess the epidemiology of self-burning in patients admitted in Birjand Imam Reza (p.b.u.h) hospital burns ward from May 1999 to February 2004. Medical records of all self-burning patients were assessed to collect the needed data. In this study, out of 442 burn cases 21.2% was due to self- burning. It was more common in Women (64.9%) and those in primary education level (48.9%). The mean age was 26.8 years and the incidence rate was higher among 11- 20 year olds. The method most commonly used in self-burning cases was pouring flammable liquid (specially kerosene) Over one-self and igniting it, (91.5%). Most cases have occurred at home (97.9%). The mean of burnt surface percently was 73% and mortality rate was 84%. The high incidence of self-burning in women and youth as high risk groups, high mortality rate makes, implementation of public education programs for prevention, providing support for high risk groups of people and psychologic consultancy service to find and manage main causes of self-burning essential, andcontinuous education for care providers to maintain the needed care.