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Weerasinghe M, Jobe L, Konradsen F, Eddleston M, Pearson M, Jayamanne S, Hawton K, Gunnell D, Agampodi S. Differences in the characteristics of people who purchase pesticides from shops for self-harm versus those who use pesticides available in the domestic environment in Sri Lanka. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:901-911. [PMID: 37871998 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data from South Asia indicate that for 15%-20% of suicide attempts, pesticides are purchased from shops; otherwise, pesticides are obtained from an individual's house or nearby environment. We aimed to investigate the difference between individuals who directly purchase pesticides from shops for suicide attempts and suicide deaths versus those related to accessing the pesticides from an individual's house or nearby environment. METHODS We conducted two comparative studies in rural Sri Lanka: (1) non-fatal shop cases (n = 50) were survivors of self-poisoning with pesticides who ingested the pesticides after purchasing them from a shop; non-fatal domestic cases (n = 192) were survivors who accessed pesticides from their house or nearby environment. (2) fatal shop cases (n = 50) were individuals who died after ingesting pesticides they purchased for the act; fatal domestic cases (n = 102) were patients who died after ingesting pesticides they accessed at house or nearby environment. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the characteristics which distinguished between the shop and domestic cases. RESULTS Data indicate that 20.7% and 32.9% of individuals who used pesticides for suicide attempts and suicide deaths had purchased them from shops, respectively. Being a non-farmer was the main distinguishing characteristic of shop cases: adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 8.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.2-24.4 for non-fatal shop cases, and AOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.5-10.6 for fatal shop cases. Non-fatal shop cases also had higher suicide intent (AOR 3.0, CI 1.0-8.9), and ingesting an insecticide (AOR 4.8, CI 1.8-1.0-8.9) than non-fatal domestic cases. CONCLUSION A high suicide intent of individuals who purchase pesticides for the event explains the high proportion of such fatal cases. Such high suicide intent makes the prevention implications difficult to spell out for those individuals who purchase pesticides for self-poisoning. However, our findings are valuable for clinicians to assess pesticide poisoning cases in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjula Weerasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lei Jobe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Konradsen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Eddleston
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melissa Pearson
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shaluka Jayamanne
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Suneth Agampodi
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Public Health, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
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Freedland AS, Sundaram K, Liu NH, Barakat S, Muñoz RF, Leykin Y. Self-harm behaviors and their intentions: a cross-cultural analysis. J Ment Health 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37577971 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2245887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm behaviors (performed with either lethal and non-lethal intentions) are common, especially among individuals suffering from mood disorders, and the reasons individuals self-harm vary both by person and by the type of behavior. Understanding these variations may help clinicians determine levels of risk more accurately. AIMS To understand whether culture and gender are associated with the likelihood of engaging in specific self-harm behaviors and whether the intention (lethal, ambivalent, non-lethal) of these behaviors vary with culture and gender. METHODS 2826 individuals took part in an international multilingual online depression/suicidality screening study and reported at least one instance of self-harm in the past year. Participants were grouped into six broad cultural categories (Latin America, South Asia, Russian, Western English, Chinese, Arab). RESULTS 3-way (culture x gender x intent) interactions were observed for several self-harm behaviors (overdosing, self-burning, asphyxiating, poisoning, and jumping from heights), suggesting that individuals engage in each of these behaviors with different intentions depending on gender and culture. Cultures and genders likewise differed in the likelihood of engaging in several self-harm behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should consider culture and gender when assessing for suicide risk, as similar self-harming behaviors may reflect different intentions depending on an individual's culture and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Freedland
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kalpana Sundaram
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nancy H Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Suzanne Barakat
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ricardo F Muñoz
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yan Leykin
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Sørensen JB, Pearson M, Pushpakumara J, Leth-Sørensen D, Buhl A, Konradsen F, Senarathna L. Alcohol use, self-harm and suicide: a scoping review of its portrayal in the Sri Lankan literature. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17566. [PMID: 37449166 PMCID: PMC10336444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide is a global public health problem. Compared to other middle-income countries, much literature has been generated on the topic of self-harm and suicide in Sri Lanka. Harmful use of alcohol is a well-known risk factor to self-harm and suicide, however the connection needed further exploration. Aim The aim was to investigate alcohol's role in self-harm and suicide in Sri Lanka to inform policy and prevention programs and future research priorities. Methods We performed a scoping review exploring how the association between alcohol use, self-harm and suicide in Sri Lanka is presented in scientific literature from August 1, 2008 to December 31, 2022. Thematic analysis was used to explore emerging themes. Results Altogether 116 peer-reviewed articles were included. Three themes emerged: (i) gendered, inter-relational explanations of alcohol's role in self-harm, (ii) hospital management of patients who co-ingested alcohol and pesticides, and (iii) proposed research and interventions targeting alcohol, self-harm and suicide. The articles' recommendations for policy, prevention and research priorities included: Family- and community-based alcohol, self-harm and suicide reduction interventions; viewing self-harm as a window of opportunity for health personnel to intervene in families affected by harmful alcohol consumption; and introduction of and increased access to treatment of alcohol use disorder at the individual level. Conclusion Suggestions for alcohol, self-harm, and suicide prevention interventions were primarily targeted at the community, though this might also reflect the limited treatment, mental health, and alcohol support available in the country. Future research should explore and test context-appropriate interventions integrating alcohol and self-harm prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Brandt Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Building 9, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Melissa Pearson
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Janaka Pushpakumara
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Alexandra Buhl
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lalith Senarathna
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
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Trend and epidemiology of suicide attempts by self-poisoning among Egyptians. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270026. [PMID: 35709176 PMCID: PMC9202942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide attempts by self-poisoning have become a critical health problem. This study aimed to investigate the trend, incidence, and the associated risk factors of suicide attempts by self-poisoning. A total of 7398 Egyptian patients were analyzed. The trend of suicide attempts by self-poisoning was analyzed using 6745 patients over four registry years from January 1, 2016, to January 1, 2020. Then, the associated risk factors behind attempted suicide by self-poisoning from January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2020, were assessed using 2523 suicide attempters by self-poisoning, 201 fatalities by self-poisoning, and another 653 survivors of accidental poisoning. Results showed a rising trend of suicide attempts by self-poisoning over the studied years. The incidence of suicide attempts through deliberate self-poisoning represented 26.63/1,000 (CI95%: 25.63–27.86) to the admitted patients and 26.10/100,000 (CI95%: 25.10–27.14) to the regional population. The death rate due to suicide attempts by self-poisoning was 2.08/100,000 (1.90–2.49). The case fatality rate and the proportionate mortality rate for suicide by self-poisoning were 7.38% (CI95%: 6.45–8.42) and 14.11% (CI95%: 12.4–16.0) respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that attempted suicide by self-poisoning was predicted among patients aged <25 or 25–40 years old (OR = 27.49, CI95%: 15.28–49.64 and OR = 59.42, CI95%: 32.76–107.77 respectively), those of low or moderate socioeconomic status (OR = 35.03, CI95%: 21.32–57.56 and OR = 14.11, CI95%: 10.86–18.43 respectively), students (OR = 2.91, CI95%: 1.57–5.43) and those living in rural residency (OR = 4.12, CI95%: 3.27–5.19). Suicide attempts by self-poisoning exhibited an incremental rise across time which raises a serious concern. Efforts should be directed to overcome the mentioned risk factors triggering suicide attempts by self-poisoning.
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Alrasheed FK, Alowairdhi YA, Alkharashi YM, Alomar AO, Alqirnas MQ, Alhussaini NA, Albassam A, Almosa AS, Alkhars AZ, Alhelail M. Suicide Attempts by Poisoning: An Experience From a High-Volume Emergency Department. Cureus 2022; 14:e23330. [PMID: 35464598 PMCID: PMC9015061 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a tremendous increase in self-poisoning behavior worldwide, with different trends depending on cultural and geographic aspects. Objectives Our study aims to assess the trends, outcomes, and predictors in patients of suicide attempts by poisoning at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) ED. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study took place at KAMC. Frequencies and percentages were used to display categorical variables. Minimum, maximum, mean, and SD were used to display continuous variables. Chi-squared test and independent t-test were utilized to test for factors associated with suicidal intention. Results A total of 130 cases were identified. The participants were mostly females (73.8%, n = 96). Most of the participants were pediatric patients (57.7%, n = 75). The most consumed agents were acetaminophen in 59 (45.83%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 22 (16.92%). The ICU admission rate was 8.5% (n = 11). The management for both populations was unspecific, involving observation, supportive measures, and symptomatic treatment. BMI (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.012), and a history of neuropsychiatric disorders (p < 0.001) were associated factors. Conclusion It is crucial that the trends and risk factors of self-poisoning suicide attempts are identified to provide support to those in need. Several variables of interest were noted since the two most observed agents share several key features, such as accessibility and availability. However, contradicting literature reports warrant further investigation to confirm or negate the evidence.
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Sex education and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka: an explorative analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:26. [PMID: 34991547 PMCID: PMC8740467 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-harm and suicide are important causes of morbidity and mortality in Sri Lanka, but our understanding of these behaviours is limited. Qualitative studies have implicated familial and societal expectations around sex and relationships. We conducted an explorative analysis using case-control data to investigate the association between sex education and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka. Methods Cases (N=298) were self-poisoning inpatients on a toxicology ward, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya. Controls (N=500) were sex and age frequency matched to cases and were outpatients/visitors to the same hospital. Participants were asked whether they had received sex education, and to rate the quality and usefulness of any sex education received. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and religion quantified the association between receipt, quality and usefulness of sex education and self-poisoning. We tested whether the associations differed by sex. Results Roughly 1-in-3 cases and 1-in-5 controls reported having not received sex education. Individuals who did not receive sex education were nearly twice as likely to have self-poisoned than those who did (OR 1.68 (95% CI 1.11-2.55)). Those who reported the sex education they received as not useful were more likely to have self-poisoned compared to those who reported it useful (OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.04-3.65)). We found no evidence of an association between self-poisoning and the self-rated quality of sex education, or that associations differed by participant sex. Conclusion As sex education is potentially modifiable at the population-level, further research should aim to explore this association in more depth, using qualitative methods and validated measurement tools. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12374-4.
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Depression and suicidal behavior in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 9:181-192. [PMID: 36618741 PMCID: PMC9806989 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates of depression in suicidal behavior in South Asia would help to formulate suicide prevention strategies in the region that hasn't been assessed yet. OBJECTIVES We aimed to systematically assess the prevalence of depression in fatal and non-fatal attempts of suicide in eight South Asian countries. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO by specific search terms to identify articles assessing depression in fatal and non-fatal attempts of suicide in South Asian countries published between 2001 and 2020. Two separate meta-analyses were conducted for fatal and non-fatal attempts. Due to the high heterogeneity of studies (96-98%), random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence rates. RESULTS A total of 38 studies was identified from five south Asian countries (India [27], Pakistan [6], Sri Lanka [3], Nepal [1], and Bangladesh [1]). The majority of studies (n = 27) were published after 2010. Twenty-two studies reported non-fatal attempts, and sixteen reported suicide. The prevalence of depression among non-fatal attempts ranged from 14% to 78% where the pooled prevalence rate was 32.7% [95% CI 26-39.3%]. The prevalence of depression among suicides ranged from 8% to 79% where the pooled prevalence estimate was 37.3% [95% CI 26.9-47.6%]. CONCLUSIONS This review revealed the pooled prevalence of depression among fatal and non-fatal suicidal attempts in South Asian countries, which seems to be lower when comparedto the Western countries. However, a cautious interpretation is warranted due to the heterogeneity of study methods, sample size, and measurement of depression.
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Pushpakumara PHGJ, Dawson AH, Adikari AMP, Thennakoon SUB, Abeysinghe R, Rajapakse TN. Exploration of associations between deliberate self-poisoning and psychiatric disorders in rural Sri Lanka: A case-control study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255805. [PMID: 34358271 PMCID: PMC8345854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are important predictors of deliberate self-harm. The present study was carried out to determine the associations between DSM-IV TR Axis- I & II disorders and deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) in a rural agricultural district in Sri Lanka. Patients residing in the district who presented with DSP were randomly selected for the study. Both the cases and age, sex, and, residential area, matched controls were assessed for DSM-IV TR Axis- I & II disorders based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I and II Disorders (SCID I & II) conducted by a specialist psychiatrist. Cases consisted of 208 (47.4%) males and 231 (52.6%) females. More than one third (37%) of males and more than half (53.7%) of females were aged below 20 years. DSM-IV TR axis-I and/or II psychiatric diagnoses were diagnosed in 89 (20.3%) of cases and 14 (3.2%) controls. Cases with a DSM-IV TR axis-I diagnosis were older than the cases without psychiatric diagnosis (32 and 19 years), p<0.0001. Having a depressive episode was associated with a 19 times higher risk for DSP. Being a male aged > = 30 years and having an alcohol use disorder carried a 21 times excess risk for DSP. A fivefold excess risk for DSP was found among 10–19 year old females with borderline personality traits. Depressive disorder and alcohol-related disorders were significantly associated with the older participants who presented with DSP. The overall prevalence of psychiatric disorders associated with DSP in rural Sri Lanka was significantly lower compared to the rates reported in the West and other countries in the region. Therefore, health and research priorities to reduce self-harm in Sri Lanka should focus both on psychiatric and non-psychiatric factors associated with DSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. H. G. J. Pushpakumara
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
- SACTRC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- * E-mail:
| | - A. H. Dawson
- SACTRC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - A. M. P. Adikari
- Psychiatry Unit, Teaching Hospital Kurunegala, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
| | - S. U. B. Thennakoon
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Ranil Abeysinghe
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - T. N. Rajapakse
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Frane AV. Misguided Opposition to Multiplicity Adjustment Remains a Problem. JOURNAL OF MODERN APPLIED STATISTICAL METHODS 2020. [DOI: 10.22237/jmasm/1556669400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fallacious arguments against multiplicity adjustment have been cited with increasing frequency to defend unadjusted tests. These arguments and their enduring impact are discussed in this paper.
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Brandt Sørensen J, Pearson M, Armstrong G, Andersen MW, Weerasinghe M, Hawton K, Konradsen F. A Qualitative Analysis of Self-Harm and Suicide in Sri Lankan Printed Newspapers. CRISIS 2020; 42:56-63. [PMID: 32366170 PMCID: PMC8208295 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Media reporting may influence suicidal behavior. In-depth exploration of how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in newspaper articles in a middle-income country such as Sri Lanka is lacking. Aims: We aimed to explore how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in Sri Lankan printed newspapers. Method: Seven English- and Sinhala-language Sri Lankan newspapers were screened for articles reporting on self-harm and suicide (December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015). A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: In the 78 articles identified for analysis, certain aspects were overemphasized (inappropriate behavior) and others underemphasized (alcohol and complexities of self-harm). Explanations of self-harm were one-sided and a suicide prevention narrative was lacking. Limitations: Another time-frame and inclusion of Tamil newspapers as well as social media and online publications would provide additional understanding. Conclusion: The study found an indication of simplistic reporting. Greater focus on prevention and a nuanced portrayal of self-harm could reduce stigma and imitative behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Pearson
- School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Manjula Weerasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK
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Glenn CR, Kleiman EM, Kellerman J, Pollak O, Cha CB, Esposito EC, Porter AC, Wyman PA, Boatman AE. Annual Research Review: A meta-analytic review of worldwide suicide rates in adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:294-308. [PMID: 31373003 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth worldwide. The purpose of the current review was to examine recent cross-national trends in suicide mortality rates among 10- to 19-year-olds. This study extracted suicide mortality data from the World Health Organization's (WHO) Mortality Database for the most recent year (since 2010) from any country with available high-quality data (as defined by the WHO's guidelines). Data on access to lethal means (firearms, railways) and measures of economic quality (World Bank Income Group) and inequality (Gini coefficients) were obtained from publicly available data sources. Cross-national suicide mortality rates in youth were heterogeneous. The pooled estimate across all ages, sexes, and countries was 3.77/100,000 people. The highest suicide rates were found in Estonia, New Zealand, and Uzbekistan. Suicide rates were higher among older compared with younger adolescents and higher among males than females. The most common suicide methods were hanging/suffocation and jumping/lying in front of a moving object or jumping from a height. Firearm and railway access were related to suicide deaths by firearms and jumping/lying, respectively. Economic quality and inequality were not related to overall suicide mortality rates. However, economic inequality was correlated with a higher ratio of male:female suicides. This study provides a recent update of cross-national suicide trends in adolescents. Findings replicate prior patterns related to age, sex, geographic region, and common suicide methods. New to this review are findings relating suicide method accessibility to suicide mortality rates and the significant association between income inequality and the ratio of male:female suicide. Future research directions include expanding the worldwide coverage to more low- and middle-income countries, examining demographic groupings beyond binary sex and to race/ethnicity within countries, and clarifying factors that account for cross-national differences in suicide trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Glenn
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Evan M Kleiman
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - John Kellerman
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Olivia Pollak
- Department of Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine B Cha
- Department of Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erika C Esposito
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrew C Porter
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peter A Wyman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anne E Boatman
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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12
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Knipe D, Williams AJ, Hannam-Swain S, Upton S, Brown K, Bandara P, Chang SS, Kapur N. Psychiatric morbidity and suicidal behaviour in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002905. [PMID: 31597983 PMCID: PMC6785653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are reported to be present in 80% to 90% of suicide deaths in high-income countries (HIC), but this association is less clear in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). There has been no previous systematic review of this issue in LMIC. The current study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in individuals with suicidal behaviour in LMIC. METHODS AND FINDINGS PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE searches were conducted to identify quantitative research papers (any language) between 1990 and 2018 from LMIC that reported on the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in suicidal behaviour. We used meta-analytic techniques to generate pooled estimates for any psychiatric disorder and specific diagnosis based on International classification of disease (ICD-10) criteria. A total of 112 studies (154 papers) from 26 LMIC (India: 25%, China: 15%, and other LMIC: 60%) were identified, including 18 non-English articles. They included 30,030 individuals with nonfatal suicidal behaviour and 4,996 individuals who had died by suicide. Of the 15 studies (5 LMIC) that scored highly on our quality assessment, prevalence estimates for psychiatric disorders ranged between 30% and 80% in suicide deaths and between 3% and 86% in those who engaged in nonfatal suicidal behaviour. There was substantial heterogeneity between study estimates. Fifty-eight percent (95% CI 46%-71%) of those who died by suicide and 45% (95% CI 30%-61%) of those who engaged in nonfatal suicidal behaviour had a psychiatric disorder. The most prevalent disorder in both fatal and nonfatal suicidal behaviour was mood disorder (25% and 21%, respectively). Schizophrenia and related disorders were identified in 8% (4%-12%) of those who died by suicide and 7% (3%-11%) of those who engaged in nonfatal suicidal behaviour. In nonfatal suicidal behaviour, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse were identified in 19% (1%-36%) and 11% (7%-16%) of individuals, respectively. This systematic review was limited by the low number of high-quality studies and restricting our searches to databases that mainly indexed English language journals. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a possible lower prevalence of psychiatric disorders in suicidal behaviour in LMIC. We found very few high-quality studies and high levels of heterogeneity in pooled estimates of psychiatric disorder, which could reflect differing study methods or real differences. There is a clear need for more robust evidence in order for LMIC to strike the right balance between community-based and mental health focussed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duleeka Knipe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - A. Jess Williams
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Piumee Bandara
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shu-Sen Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences and Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Nav Kapur
- University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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13
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Alahakoon C, Dassanayake TL, Gawarammana IB, Weerasinghe VS, Buckley NA. Differences between organophosphates in respiratory failure and lethality with poisoning post the 2011 bans in Sri Lanka. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019; 58:466-470. [PMID: 31496307 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1660782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Self-poisoning with organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has high morbidity and mortality. The most toxic OP formulations have been progressively banned in Sri Lanka over the past three decades. However, respiratory failure (RF) requiring ventilation remains a major contributor to fatalities. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the frequency of RF and death after poisoning with the currently available OPs to determine if further bans might be warranted to reduce the burden of OP poisoning in Sri Lanka.Methods: Five hundred and forty patients with confirmed OP self-poisoning were prospectively observed throughout their hospital stay following admission to Peradeniya hospital in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Clinical data including the time and duration of intubation were documented prospectively in structured datasheets.Results: One hundred and forty-nine patients required ventilation (27%), and 34 (23%) of those died. Males with alcohol co-ingestion were more likely to develop RF. Compared to other OPs, profenofos (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9), and quinalphos (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6-12.6) were more likely to, and chlorpyrifos (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4) less likely to lead to RF than other OPs. Profenofos was also associated with higher mortality (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6) than other OPs. The median time to intubation was longer for profenofos, but the duration of intubation was similar for all OP formulations.Conclusion: RF and deaths following OP ingestion continue to be a major problem in Sri Lanka, with profenofos being the major current agent of concern. Strategies to replace profenofos and quinalphos use with less toxic insecticides should be explored. Doctors should be alert to the high probability of delayed and prolonged RF after profenofos poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanika Alahakoon
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Tharaka L Dassanayake
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Indika B Gawarammana
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Vajira S Weerasinghe
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Nicholas A Buckley
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,The Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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14
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De Silva ANLM, Dawson AH, Gawarammana IB, Tennakoon S, Rajapakse T. Study protocol: a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a counseling intervention, delivered by nurses, for those who have attempted self-poisoning in Sri Lanka. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:150. [PMID: 30258649 PMCID: PMC6151905 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deliberate self-harm in the form of non-fatal self-poisoning is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. Previous work suggests that many nurses in Sri Lanka—particularly those who work in primary care in the medical treatment of persons who attempt self-poisoning—already approach their role in a holistic fashion and consider “advising” or “counseling” patients after self-poisoning to be a part of their nursing role. But there is no formal training given to such nurses at present nor has the efficacy or feasibility of such an intervention been assessed in Sri Lanka. The aims of this pilot study are to explore the potential efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of carrying out a counseling intervention that could be delivered by nurses for persons who present to hospital for medical management of non-fatal self-poisoning. Methods/design The study will be carried out at the Toxicology Unit of Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. A pilot randomized controlled trial will be carried out among participants admitted to Teaching Hospital Peradeniya for medical management of non-fatal self-poisoning. The primary objective of this study is to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a counseling intervention being delivered by nurses. The secondary objectives are to explore the efficacy of the intervention for the improvement of skills to cope with situations of acute emotional distress, and to reduce rates of anxiety, depression, and future repetition and suicidal ideation. A nurse’s experiences and attitudes regarding the acceptability and feasibility of implementing this intervention and participant experiences of the intervention and its effects will be explored via qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. Discussion It is anticipated that the findings of this pilot study will help determine and assess the acceptability and feasibility of this counseling intervention, as well as indicate the more useful aspects of this intervention in order to develop it for further exploration in a larger trial. Trial registration SLCTR/2017/008 Registered on 21st March 2017
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Affiliation(s)
- A N L M De Silva
- 1South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Andrew H Dawson
- 2Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Indika B Gawarammana
- 3Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Sampath Tennakoon
- 4Department of Community Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Thilini Rajapakse
- 5Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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15
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Alahakoon C, Dassanayake TL, Gawarammana IB, Sedgwick EM, Weerasinghe VS, Abdalla A, Roberts MS, Buckley NA. Prediction of organophosphorus insecticide-induced intermediate syndrome with stimulated concentric needle single fibre electromyography. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203596. [PMID: 30261032 PMCID: PMC6159867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) using organophosphorus (OP) insecticides are a common clinical problem in Asia. OPs inhibit acetylcholine esterase (AChE), leading to over-activity of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic circuits. Intermediate syndrome (IMS) is mediated via prolonged nicotinic receptor stimulation at the neuromuscular junction and its onset is between 24-96 hours post ingestion. The aims of the present study were 1) to investigate whether neuromuscular junction dysfunction within the first 24 hours following exposure, quantified by jitter in single fibre electromyography (SfEMG), can predict IMS, and 2) to compare the changes in SfEMG jitter over the course of the illness among patients who developed IMS (IMS+) and those who did not (IMS-). METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a prospective cohort study in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka on 120 patients admitted between September 2014 and August 2016 following DSP by OP insecticides viz., profenofos 53, phenthoate 17, diazinon 13, chlorpyrifos 5, others 12, unknown 20. SfEMG was performed every second day during hospitalization. Exposure was confirmed based on the history and red blood cell AChE assays. IMS was diagnosed in patients who demonstrated at least three out of four of the standard IMS criteria: proximal muscle weakness, bulbar muscle weakness, neck muscle weakness, respiratory paralysis between 24-96 hours post ingestion. Respiratory failure requiring intubation occurred in 73 out of 120 patients; 64 of these were clinically diagnosed with IMS. Of the 120 patients, 96 had repeated SfEMG testing, 67 of them being tested within the first 24 hours. Prolonged jitter (>33.4μs) within the first 24 hours was associated with greatly increased risk of IMS (odds ratio = 8.9, 95% confidence intervals = 2.4-29.6, p = 0.0003; sensitivity 86%, specificity 58%). The differences in jitter between IMS+ and IMS- patients remained significant for 72 hours and increased jitter was observed in some patients for up to 216 hours. For intubated patients, the median time for jitter to normalize and median time to extubate were similar, and the two variables had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.49, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Prolonged jitter recorded with SfEMG <24 hours of ingestion of an OP strongly correlates with subsequent occurrence of IMS. The time course of electrophysiological recovery of the NMJ was similar to the time course of respiratory recovery in IMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanika Alahakoon
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- * E-mail:
| | - Tharaka L. Dassanayake
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Indika B. Gawarammana
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - E. Michael Sedgwick
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Vajira S. Weerasinghe
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Ahmed Abdalla
- Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Michael S. Roberts
- Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Therapeutics Research Centre, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
- Translation Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Buckley
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- The Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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16
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Hettiarachchi LV, Kinner SA, Tibble H, Borschmann R. Self-Harm among Young People Detained in the Youth Justice System in Sri Lanka. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E209. [PMID: 29373512 PMCID: PMC5858278 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Self-harm is prevalent in incarcerated adults, yet comparatively few studies of self-harm in detained youth (and even fewer in low- and middle-income countries) have been published. We examined the prevalence and correlates of self-harm in a sample of 181 young people (mean age 15.0 years, SD = 2.3) detained in the youth justice system in Sri Lanka. Structured face-to-face questionnaires assessed demographic characteristics, family and social background, substance use, self-harm history (including frequency, method, and intention), bullying victimization, physical and sexual abuse (victimization and perpetration), and exposure to self-harm/suicide by others. Seventy-seven participants (43%) reported a lifetime history of self-harm, 19 of whom (25%) who reported doing so with suicidal intent. Fifty participants (65% of those with a history of self-harm) reported engaging in self-harm impulsively, with no prior planning. A history of self-harm was associated with being female, prior sexual abuse victimization, prior exposure to self-harm by friends, and a lifetime history of self-harm ideation. High rates of substance use, bullying victimization, parental incarceration, and exposure to suicide were reported across the sample. Young people detained in the youth justice system in Sri Lanka are a vulnerable group with high rates of self-harm, substance use, and psychosocial risk factors. Strategies for identifying and preventing self-harm, and targeted psychological interventions designed specifically to address impulsivity, may contribute to more positive outcomes in this marginalised population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushan V Hettiarachchi
- Forensic Psychiatric Unit, National Institute of Mental Health, Colombo 10620, Sri Lanka.
| | - Stuart A Kinner
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population of Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia.
- Mater Research Institute-UQ, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia.
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia.
| | - Holly Tibble
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population of Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia.
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population of Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia.
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE58AF, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia.
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17
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Lekei E, Ngowi AV, London L. Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Children: Hospital Review in Selected Hospitals of Tanzania. J Toxicol 2017; 2017:4208405. [PMID: 29441090 PMCID: PMC5758850 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4208405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is a serious problem worldwide. Because the burden of childhood APP is unknown in Tanzania, this study describes the distribution, circumstances, and patterns of APP involving children under 18 years in Tanzania. METHODOLOGY A 12-month prospective study was conducted in 10 Tanzanian healthcare facilities in 2006 using a data collection tool for surveillance. RESULTS Of 53 childhood poisoning cases identified, 56.6% were female. The most common poisoning circumstances were accidents (49.1%) and suicide (30.2%). The most vulnerable children were 16-17 years old (30.2%). Suicide was significantly more common in females (PRR females/males = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.03-2.68) and accidental cases were more common in children aged 10 years or younger. Suicide was concentrated in children over 10 years, comprising 53% of cases in this age group. Organophosphates (OPs), zinc phosphide, and endosulfan were common amongst reported poisoning agents. The annual APP incidence rate was 1.61/100,000. CONCLUSION APP is common among children in this region of Tanzania. Prevention of suicide in older children should address mental health issues and control access to toxic pesticides. Prevention of accidents in younger children requires safer storage and hygiene measures. Diverse interventions are needed to reduce pesticide poisoning among children in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elikana Lekei
- Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, P.O. Box 3024, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Aiwerasia V. Ngowi
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Leslie London
- School of Public Health & Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa
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18
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Alahakoon C, Dassanayake TL, Gawarammana IB, Weerasinghe VS. Can we predict intermediate syndrome? A review. Neurotoxicology 2017; 69:209-216. [PMID: 29217407 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ingestion of organophosphorus insecticides (OPI) is a common method of deliberate self harm in the developing world. Deaths mainly follow as a result of the respiratory failure associated with both cholinergic crisis and the intermediate syndrome. Even though death can be prevented by early mechanical ventilation of these patients, limited studies are available regarding the prediction of intermediate syndrome and subsequent respiratory failure. OBJECTIVE To systematically review articles that are published with regard to possible prediction of intermediate syndrome using clinical, biochemical and electrophysiological parameters. METHODS A systematic review on literature published in English language was done in the PubMed database without a date limitation. Two sets of search terms were used. The first set consisted of MeSH Terms "organophosphates", "organophosphate poisoning", "op poisoning" "organophosphate insecticide poisoning" and "organophosphorus". The second set included the MeSH Terms "Intermediate syndrome", "proximal muscle weakness", "cranial nerve palsies", "respiratory depression" and "neck muscle weakness". Articles containing at least one word from each set were reviewed. RESULTS At least one MeSH term from each set was incorporated in 179 articles. Of these, 69 were rejected as they were not related to organophosphate poisoning or intermediate syndrome. PREDICTION OF IMS Clinical prediction is mostly based on ICU scoring systems. Biochemical markers such as reduced levels of serum and erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase have been studied many times. Both clinical and biochemical markers show a modest relationship in predicting IMS. Single fibre electromyography show promising results as it directly assesses neuromuscular junction. CONCLUSION The intermediate syndrome which follows organophosphate poisoning still remains a significant problem with its high morbidity. Clinical and biochemical markers show modest results in predicting IMS. Neurophysiological markers such as single fibre EMG should be studied further as they measure activity of affected nicotinic receptors directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanika Alahakoon
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka; South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.
| | - Tharaka Lagath Dassanayake
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka; South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka; School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Indika Bandara Gawarammana
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka; Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya,20400, Sri Lanka.
| | - Vajira Senaka Weerasinghe
- Department of Physiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka; South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.
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19
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Yimaer A, Chen G, Zhang M, Zhou L, Fang X, Jiang W. Childhood pesticide poisoning in Zhejiang, China: a retrospective analysis from 2006 to 2015. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:602. [PMID: 28659131 PMCID: PMC5490151 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pesticide poisoning in children has been a serious public health issue around the world, especially in the developing countries where agriculture is still one of the largest economic sectors. The purpose of this study was to analyze epidemiological characteristics of acute pesticide poisoning in children from Zhejiang province, China. Methods The pesticide poisoning cases for children were retrieved from Occupational Disease Surveillance and Reporting System, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China. The incident cases, deaths, and fatality rate of child pesticide poisoning from 2006 through 2015 were calculated. Results During the study period, totally 2952 children were poisoned by pesticides, with 66 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 2.24%. Among them, there were 1607 male cases with 28 deaths, and 1345 female cases with 38 deaths. Most of the cases occurred in preschool children (1349) and adolescent age group (1269). Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides were the cause of most poisonings (1130), leading to 34 deaths. The highest fatality rate (3.13%) was due to poisoning by herbicides and fungicides, causing 14 deaths out of 448 cases. Poisoning occurred mostly in rural areas (78%). And most pesticide poisoning occurred in the summer (896) and fall (811), while fewest poisoning cases in the winter (483) but with the highest fatality rate (3.52%). Conclusions This study shows that pesticide poisoning of children is a major health problem in Zhejiang, suggesting preventive strategies should be conducted to control childhood pesticide poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziguli Yimaer
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guangdi Chen
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meibian Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Lifang Zhou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Xinglin Fang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310051, China.
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Rosa NMD, Oliveira RRD, Arruda GOD, Mathias TADF. Mortalidade por suicídio no Estado do Paraná segundo meios utilizados: uma análise epidemiológica. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/0047-2085000000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a distribuição epidemiológica da mortalidade por suicídio, segundo os meios utilizados no Estado do Paraná. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo descritivo sobre os dados de mortalidade por suicídio e meios utilizados nas Macrorregionais de Saúde de residência, constantes no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade, de 1996 a 2000 e de 2009 a 2012 e analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial, teste de qui-quadrado/c2 e medida de associação/odds ratio. Resultados Houve aumento na variação percentual da taxa de mortalidade por suicídio pelo enforcamento na maioria das Macrorregionais de Saúde do Estado, para ambos os sexos. Entretanto, o suicídio por arma de fogo, autointoxicação por pesticidas e outros meios apresentou declínio no período de 1996 a 2000 para 2009 a 2012. O enforcamento esteve associado ao sexo masculino e à idade superior a 45 anos, no período de 1996 a 2000, e à escolaridade acima de 12 anos, não ter companheiro e óbito no domicílio, para o período de 2009 a 2012. Notou-se maior variação percentual na taxa de mortalidade por suicídio na Macrorregional Oeste. Conclusão O levantamento das características específicas dos meios utilizados para o suicídio no Estado é um componente necessário para a implementação de intervenções preventivas para sua redução.
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Knipe DW, Gunnell D, Pieris R, Priyadarshana C, Weerasinghe M, Pearson M, Jayamanne S, Dawson AH, Mohamed F, Gawarammana I, Hawton K, Konradsen F, Eddleston M, Metcalfe C. Is socioeconomic position associated with risk of attempted suicide in rural Sri Lanka? A cross-sectional study of 165 000 individuals. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014006. [PMID: 28336743 PMCID: PMC5372106 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour in high-income countries, but this association is unclear in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We investigated the association of SEP with attempted suicide in a cross-sectional survey of 165 233 Sri Lankans. SEP data were collected at the household (assets, social standing (highest occupation of a household member), foreign employment and young (≤40 years) female-headed households) and individual level (education and occupation). Respondent-reported data on suicide attempts in the past year were recorded. Random-effects logistic regression models, accounting for clustering, were used to investigate the association of SEP with attempted suicide. RESULTS Households reported 398 attempted suicides in the preceding year (239 per 100 000). Fewer assets (OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.4 to 4.4) and having a daily wage labourer (ie, insecure/low-income job; OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.2) as the highest occupation increased the risk of an attempted suicide within households. At an individual level, daily wage labourers were at an increased risk of attempted suicide compared with farmers. The strongest associations were with low levels of education (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.5 to 8.4), with a stronger association in men than women. CONCLUSIONS We found that indicators of lower SEP are associated with increased risk of attempted suicide in rural Sri Lanka. Longitudinal studies with objective measures of suicide attempts are needed to confirm this association. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01146496; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Knipe
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - D Gunnell
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - R Pieris
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - C Priyadarshana
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - M Weerasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine & Allied Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - M Pearson
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Jayamanne
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelanyia, Kelanyia, Sri Lanka
| | - A H Dawson
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - F Mohamed
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology (TACT) Group, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - I Gawarammana
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - K Hawton
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - F Konradsen
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Eddleston
- Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Metcalfe
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Regional variation in suicide rates in Sri Lanka between 1955 and 2011: a spatial and temporal analysis. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:193. [PMID: 28196502 PMCID: PMC5310090 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 1955 and 2011 there were marked fluctuations in suicide rates in Sri Lanka; incidence increased six-fold between 1955 and the 1980s, and halved in the early 21st century. Changes in access to highly toxic pesticides are thought to have influenced this pattern. This study investigates variation in suicide rates across Sri Lanka's 25 districts between 1955 and 2011. We hypothesised that changes in the incidence of suicide would be most marked in rural areas due to the variation in availability of highly toxic pesticides in these locations during this time period. METHODS We mapped district-level suicide rates in 1955, 1972, 1980 and 2011. These periods preceded, included and postdated the rapid rise in Sri Lanka's suicide rates. We investigated the associations between district-level variations in suicide rates and census-derived measures of rurality (population density), unemployment, migration and ethnicity using Spearman's rank correlation and negative binomial models. RESULTS The rise and fall in suicide rates was concentrated in more rural areas. In 1980, when suicide rates were at their highest, population density was inversely associated with area variation in suicide rates (r = -0.65; p < 0.001), i.e. incidence was highest in rural areas. In contrast the association was weakest in 1950, prior to the rise in pesticide suicides (r = -0.10; p = 0.697). There was no strong evidence that levels of migration or ethnicity were associated with area variations in suicide rates. The relative rates of suicide in the most rural compared to the most urban districts before (1955), during (1980) and after (2011) the rise in highly toxic pesticide availability were 1.1 (95% CI 0.5 to 2.4), 3.7 (2.0 to 6.9) and 2.1 (1.6 to 2.7) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide some support for the hypothesis that changes in access to pesticides contributed to the marked fluctuations in Sri Lanka's suicide rate, but the impact of other factors cannot be ruled out.
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Kalankesh LR, Farahbakhsh M, Fein RA, Moftian N, Nasiry Z. Exploring Complexity of Deliberate Self-Poisoning through Network Analysis. PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL 2017; 2017:3619721. [PMID: 28251146 PMCID: PMC5303583 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3619721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the complexity of circumstances that result in deliberate self-poisoning cases. For the purposes of this paper, the cases were patients that presented for care and were admitted to the specialty hospital in Northwest of Iran. The research examined the problems preceding deliberate self-poisoning and the interrelations among them by applying network analysis methods. The network was scored for degrees of centrality and betweenness centrality. Structural analysis of network also was conducted using block modelling. The results showed that family conflicts had the highest score for degree of centrality among women, while the highest score for degree of centrality among men belonged to those dealing with drug addiction. Analysis for degree of betweenness centrality revealed that drug addiction had the highest score among men, whereas the highest score for women on betweenness centrality was related to physical illness. Structural analysis of the network showed differences in role that various problems played in intentional self-poisoning. The findings from this research can be used by public health authorities to create prevention programs that address the problems leading to deliberate self-poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila R. Kalankesh
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz, Iran
- School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Farahbakhsh
- Tabriz Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rebecca A. Fein
- Laboratory Informatics Institute, Smyrna, GA, USA
- National Alliance of Research Associates Programs (NARAP), Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Nazila Moftian
- School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Nasiry
- School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Stankevitz K, Staton C, Schoenfisch A, de Silva V, Tharindra H, Stroo M, Ostbye T. Prevalence of occupational injury and its contributing factors among rubber tappers in Galle, Sri Lanka. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 22:333-340. [PMID: 27784205 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1247026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rubber tapping involves carrying heavy loads, navigating rough terrain, and using sharp tools. However, little is known about occupational injury among this vulnerable working population. OBJECTIVE To assesses the prevalence, severity, and contributing factors associated with occupational injury among Sri Lankan rubber tappers and to identify possible interventions to improve occupational safety. METHODS A questionnaire was administered to 300 Sri Lankan rubber tappers. The associations between tapper characteristics and injury within the last year were examined using log-binomial regression models. Short response answers were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS 300 tappers reported 594 injuries in the previous 12 months, and missed 1,080 days of work. The prevalence of one or more injuries was 49%. Factors associated with injury were being female, working an additional job, tapping with a two-handed approach, and depressive symptomology. Qualitative findings suggest three interventions to address injuries: (1) landscaping, (2) personal protective equipment, and (3) provision of eyeglasses. CONCLUSIONS Work-related injuries are common among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. These results highlight the importance of working with and including informal workers in the creation of Sri Lankan occupational health and safety regulations. We believe that the three interventions identified by respondents could help to reduce the risk of occupational injury among rubber tappers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Stankevitz
- a Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Catherine Staton
- b Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University , Durham , NC , USA.,c Division of Emergency Medicine , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Ashley Schoenfisch
- a Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA.,d Duke School of Nursing , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Vijitha de Silva
- e Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine , University of Ruhuna , Galle , Sri Lanka
| | - Hemajith Tharindra
- e Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine , University of Ruhuna , Galle , Sri Lanka
| | - Marissa Stroo
- a Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Truls Ostbye
- a Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA.,b Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University , Durham , NC , USA
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Stankevitz K, Schoenfisch A, de Silva V, Tharindra H, Stroo M, Ostbye T. Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 22:91-8. [PMID: 27092589 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1168073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rubber tapping exposes workers to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. METHODS Questionnaires were administered to 300 rubber tappers to measure MSDs and potential associated factors. Ergonomic exposure levels were measured for 90 tappers using the Quick Exposure Check instrument. MSD prevalence and prevalence ratios were calculated using log-binomial regression. RESULTS In the past 12 months, 66% of rubber tappers in our sample experienced an MSD. Ergonomic exposure levels were high or very high in the back (94.4%), shoulders (96.7%), and neck (83.3%). Being female, older, Tamil, working two jobs, alternating tapping hands, and depression were significantly associated with increased risk of MSDs. CONCLUSIONS MSDs are common among rubber tappers in Sri Lanka. These results suggest a need for work process modifications to prevent MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Stankevitz
- a Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University , Durham , NC ¸ USA
| | - Ashley Schoenfisch
- b Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Vijitha de Silva
- c Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine , University of Ruhuna , Galle , Sri Lanka
| | - Hemajith Tharindra
- c Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine , University of Ruhuna , Galle , Sri Lanka
| | - Marissa Stroo
- b Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Truls Ostbye
- a Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University , Durham , NC ¸ USA.,b Department of Community and Family Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA.,d Program in Health Service and Systems Research , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School , Singapore
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Rajapakse T, Christensen H, Cotton S, Griffiths KM. Non-fatal self-poisoning across age groups, in Sri Lanka. Asian J Psychiatr 2016; 19:79-84. [PMID: 26957344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini Rajapakse
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick 2013, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sue Cotton
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35, Poplar Road, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kathleen Margaret Griffiths
- National Institute for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Building 63, Canberra 0200, ACT, Australia.
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Rajapakse T, Griffiths KM, Christensen H, Cotton S. Non-fatal self-poisoning in Sri Lanka: associated triggers and motivations. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1167. [PMID: 26602540 PMCID: PMC4659153 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attempted or non-fatal self-poisoning is common in Sri Lanka. To date, most preventive strategies have focused on limitation of access to toxic pesticides, which has reduced the rates of fatal self-poisoning. However the ongoing phenomenon of non-fatal self-poisoning indicates the need for exploration of alternate preventive strategies. Self-poisoning in Sri Lanka has been described as impulsive, with little premeditation, but the motivations associated with this act have not been studied in depth. This research describes the triggers and motivations associated with non-fatal self-poisoning in Sri Lanka. It is anticipated that the findings would help guide future preventive strategies. Methods Two studies were carried out, at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, each using a different methodology – Study 1 consisted of qualitative semi-structured interviews, and Study 2 was a cross sectional survey. Both studies were conducted among those who had recently attempted self-poisoning, and explored associated triggers and motivations associated with the act of self-poisoning. There was no overlap between participants of the two studies. Results A total of 24 persons participated in the semi-structured interviews (Study 1), and 921 took part in the cross-sectional survey (Study 2). Interpersonal conflict was the most common trigger prior to the act of non-fatal self-poisoning. A mixture of motivations was associated with the act of self-poisoning, including intent to die, to escape, and difficulty tolerating distress associated with interpersonal conflict. Conclusions Development of interpersonal skills and interpersonal problem solving skills, particularly in adolescents and young people, emerges as a key primary preventive strategy. Further, there is value in exploring and helping people to develop more adaptive strategies to cope with emotional distress associated with interpersonal conflict. While distress tolerance and interpersonal skill training strategies used in the West may be considered, it is also important to adapt and develop strategies suited to the local cultural background. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate such strategies, and findings may have implications not only to Sri Lanka but also for other countries in South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini Rajapakse
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
| | - Kathleen Margaret Griffiths
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Building 63, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwich, NSW, 2013, Australia.
| | - Sue Cotton
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35, Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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