Suicide attempts in HIV/AIDS patients: report of two cases presenting with penetrating abdominal injuries.
BACKGROUND
We present two patients to highlight an emerging trend of suicide attempts presenting to the surgeons with penetrating abdominal injuries found to be HIV/AIDS related.


METHODS
The two patients were managed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in the year 2003. Both patients presented as emergencies with penetrating abdominal injuries and were resuscitated followed by clinical evaluation and laparotomy.


RESULTS
Both patients had visceral injuries that were repaired at laparotomy and were both confirmed HIV positive.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an emerging trend of suicide attempts in HIV/AIDS patients and the need to determine the suicide pattern that will enable all stakeholders workout a formidable HIV/AIDS and suicide prevention programmes.
Gali
B M
BM
Department of Surgery University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Na'aya
H U
HU
Adamu
S
S
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000639:trends*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000209:etiology*