Deliberate self-poisoning in Oman.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the demographics, precipitating factors, substances and methods used for deliberate self-harm in Oman.


METHODS
Data were extracted from the Accident and Emergency (A & E) records of patients treated at the A & E units in Muscat from 1993 to 1998. Data were obtained form the history, and clinical findings resulting form deliberate self-harm.


RESULTS
During the 5-year study period, 123 persons presented to various hospitals in the Muscat area with injuries that resulted form deliberate self-harm. Most of these cases were women, students and unemployed. There was a high incidence of family, marital and psychiatric or social problems. The methods of self-harm were most often analgesics (such as paracetamol) and non-pharmaceutical chemicals.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of self-injurious behaviour is low in Oman, compared with other countries, including other Islamic countries. The data illustrate a rising rate and a tendency to ingest toxic doses of analgesics or non-pharmaceutical chemicals.
Zaidan
Ziad A J
ZA
Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
Burke
David T
DT
Dorvlo
Atsu S S
AS
Al-Naamani
Aziz
A
Al-Suleimani
Abdullah
A
Al-Hussaini
Ala'Adin
A
Al-Sharbati
Marwan M
MM
Al-Adawi
Samir
S
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008499:Medical Records; D009850:Oman / Q000453:epidemiology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014478:Unemployment