Self-Immolation in Iran

Abstract

Deliberate self-inflicted burn 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. Various intervention options are discussed to increase coping skills on the individual and community levels. During the long-term, programs and strategies should focus on "macrosocial-based" interventions.

The self-inflicted burns-Typology and its prognostic relevance in a 14-year review of self-inflicted burns in a tertiary referral centre

“…To make matters even worse, it has been clearly shown that intentional burn patients have a larger mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned, a longer hospital stay, and a higher mortality compared to other burned patients [17]. In some series, mortality in these patients reaches an astounding 80% [3,18].…”

Self-Inflicted Burn Injuries in Kermanshah: A Public Health Problem

“…Studies in Iran showed that it is more prevalent among Kurdish population. Ilam and Kermanshah are the first two cities with highest frequency of completed self-immolation in Iran (2). Both cities are located Western of Iran and with high proportion of Kurdish people.…”

“…Unfortunately in Iran burn is a widely common way of suicide (3). Around 30% of suicides are committed by burning (2). Suicidal behavior incidence was reported up to 19 per 100000 people in 2005 (4).…”

“…Iran as a developing country is categorized as countries whit low rate of suicide but high rate of self-immolation (1,2). Unfortunately in Iran burn is a widely common way of suicide (3).…”

Survival probability in self immolation attempters: a prospective observational cohort study

“…[13] The role of these factors in survival rate is not clear in people who have attempted suicide. Between all methods of suicide, self-immolation is more deleterious, painful, costly, and fatal, [14,15] and people who burn themselves are hardly treated. [12,16] This study is designed to assess the survival rate and affecting factors of survival in self-immolation attempters in one of the west provinces of Iran (Kermanshah) which has one of the highest rates of suicide and self-immolation.…”