Suicide by Self-Burning in Iraqi Kurdistan: Description and Risk Factors

Abstract

This study aims to provide evidence for the problem of suicide by self-burning in Iraqi Kurdistan. Data were collected prospectively from all patients admitted to the burn center in the province of Sulaymaniyah and cases of self-burning were compared with cases of accidental burns. There were 197 cases with an annual incidence rate of 8.4 per 100,000 per year and female to male risk ratio of 13.1. Independent risk factors for self-burning were female sex (odds ratio 13.75, 95% CI 6.91–27.36, P < 0.001); young age of 11 to 18 years (OR 3.92, 95% CI 2.20–7.0, P < 0.001); poor education (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.15–5.45, P = 0.02); spring season (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.3–4.41, P = 0.005); and small family size (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.44–5.15, P = 0.002). Suicide by self-burning is common in Iraqi Kurdistan especially among women. Urgent action is required to provide a better understanding of the situation, and identify partners, capacities, and opportunities for action.

Keywords:

• burns
• Iraq
• Kurdistan
• risk factors
• self-burning
• suicide

Acknowledgments

The author is grateful for the valuable advice and editing comments of Professor Denise Kendrick of the University of Nottingham, UK throughout this project. The author was also privileged to benefit from the advice of Dr. Ahmad Al-Windi during the field work and the welcoming attitude and cooperation of management and staff of the burns center.

Notes

*Mann-Whitney U test; **Kruskal-Wallis test.

*Divorced/separated/widowed.

Log likelihood= −253.3, LR test χ² = 149.5, 9 df, P < 0.001.