Sociocultural Context of Suicidal Behaviour in the Sundarban Region of India. (11th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chowdhury, A. N.; Banerjee, S.; Brahma, A.; Hazra, A.; Weiss, M. G.
• Other Names: Meade Tanya Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry journal. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-06-11
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/486081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-4327

Abstract

Abstract : The role of mental illness in nonfatal deliberate self-harm (DSH) is controversial, especially in Asian countries. This prospective study examined the role of psychiatric disorders, underlying social and situational problems, and triggers of DSH in a sample of 89 patients hospitalised in primary care hospitals of the Sundarban Delta, India. Data were collected by using a specially designed DSH register, Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC), and clinical interview. Psychiatric diagnosis was made following the DSM-IV guidelines. The majority of subjects were young females (74.2%) and married (65.2%). Most of them (69.7%) were uncertain about their "intention to die, ” and pesticide poisoning was the commonest method (95.5%). Significant male-female differences were found with respect to education level, occupation, and venue of the DSH attempt. Typical stressors were conflict with spouse, guardians, or in-laws, extramarital affairs, chronic physical illness, and failed love affairs. The major depressive disorder (14.6%) was the commonest psychiatric diagnosis followed by adjustment disorder (6.7%); however 60.7% of the cases had no psychiatric illness. Stressful life situations coupled with easy access to lethal pesticides stood as the risk factor. The sociocultural dynamics behind suicidal behaviour and community-specific social stressors merit detailed assessment and timely psychosocial intervention. These findings will be helpful to design community-based mental health clinical services and community action in the region.