Profile of self-harming patients admitted in a South African hospital

Abstract

Background: Self-harm, as intentionally hurting oneself, has grown to be a major public health issue in recent years. Such act can be carried out without the deliberate intent to kill oneself. This study aimed to profile self-harming patients admitted to a South African hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional design based on retrospective record review of self-harming patients between June 2022 and May 2023 at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH).

Results: Out of 223 records retrieved, the participants’ mean age was 24.6 years. Their ages ranged from 13 years to 75 years. The majority were single (n = 198; 89.56%), unemployed (n = 103; 46.19%) and did not have any comorbidities (n = 171; 76.68%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (n = 19; 8.52%) was the most common comorbidity. Overdose and poisoning (n = 220; 98.65%) are common methods utilised, and with high rate happened in October (n = 39; 17.65%). The most common reasons were interpersonal, including family conflict (69; 30.80%) and relationship issues (n = 61; 27.23%). Age was linked with sex, comorbidities, method and reason (p = 0.008). Conflict was linked with females and relationship problems with males (p = 0.008).

Conclusion: Self-harm is common among single females under 40 years, often because of romantic and family conflicts. Age and sex influence risk, with younger females using over-the-counter medication, older females with retroviral diseases using prescriptions. Further research, including prevention, may assist in the management of the behavior.

Contribution: An alarming and growing public health risk has been raised.