Deliberate non-fatal self harm in patients attending a general hospital in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Though deliberate non-fatal self-harm [DSH] has become a rather common form of nonverbal communication in Western Countries, the impression from the developing countries has been one of being very rare. Arabic countries are among the ones with the lowest reported rates. Our aim in this study is to investigate the patterns of DSH in Saudia Arabia an Arabic country with a strong religious background. All patients attending the largest general hospital in Jeddah City, with a recognisable self-harm behaviour, were prospectively assessed by the psychiatrist. Their characteristic features and clinical data were analysed using chi square for any significant statistical differences. Only 55 patients were referred in a period of 9 months with a diagnosis of DSH, 45 females [81.8%] and only 10 males [18.2%]. Males were older than females and non-Saudis were significantly more older and presented with more serious high suicidal risk DSH behaviours. Though DSH rates in Arabic countries may still be considerably low, in comparison to those reported from the western countries, the current indications is that many of these countries may witness a considerable increase, unless they maintain their strong religious affiliations and emphasise the importance of preserving their traditional family structure