title: Non-fatal self-poisoning across age groups, in Sri Lanka.
abstract: Attempted or non-fatal self-poisoning in common in Sri Lanka, but little is known about variation of psychiatric morbidity and suicidal intent across differing ages. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with non-fatal self-poisoning in Sri Lanka across three different age groups (namely 14-24 years, 25-34 years and ≥ 35 years). It was anticipated that the findings of the study would inform and guide development of preventive interventions for non-fatal self-poisoning in this country. 935 participants were interviewed within one week of admission to hospital for medical management of non-fatal self-poisoning, over a consecutive 14-month period. Socio-demographic factors, types of poison ingested, triggers and psychiatric morbidity was examined as a function of age. Results showed that a majority (83%) of participants were aged below 35 years. Younger participants aged <25 years were significantly more likely to ingest medicinal overdoses, compared to older persons (aged 25-34 years, and ≥ 35 years), who were more likely to ingest pesticides. Recent interpersonal conflict was a proximal trigger seen in all age groups, but suicidal intent, depression and alcohol use disorders increased with age. The overall study findings indicate that most who carry out acts of non-fatal self-poisoning in Sri Lanka are young (aged <35 years). Interpersonal conflict as a trigger is common to all age groups, but psychiatric morbidity and suicidal intent is higher in the older age groups, as is pesticide ingestion. Age specific interventions may be efficacious in the prevention of non-fatal self-poisoning in Sri Lanka.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Electronic address: gemba471@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Thilini
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rajapakse
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick 2013, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: h.christensen@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.affiliation: Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35, Poplar Road, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: smcotton@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cotton
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Building 63, Canberra 0200, ACT, Australia. Electronic address: Kathy.Griffiths@anu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Kathleen Margaret
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010575:Pesticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D013188:Sri Lanka; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides
keywords: Age; Non-fatal self-poisoning; Sri Lanka