Characteristics and burden of hospitalization because of intentional self-harm: Thai national, hospital-based data for 2010

Background: There is a paucity of data on intentional self-harm and suicide in Thailand. It is crucial to re-evaluate the burden and health outcomes. Objective: To measure the character and burden of acts of intentional self-harm in the Thai hospitalized population. Material and Method: Acts of intentional-self harm were categorized using ICD 10 classification. All of inpatient-related data were analyzed using SPSS 17. Results: Overall intentional self-harm in 2010 led to 24,924 hospitalizations and 854 deaths; an incidence of 35.6/100,000 people with the highest level in two age groups: 18-25 and 26-40 year-olds. Self-poisoning (89%) was the most common method and pesticide was the leading used chemical agents. The total cost of treatment was 149,672,190 baht and the mean length of stay was 2.9 + 6.7 days. The mortality rate increased as the population got older with the highest rate being 10.6% for 70-79 year-olds. In 33.8% of cases, psychiatric co-diagnosis were found with anxiety disorders was the leading comorbidity. Conclusion: The incidence of intentional self harm was medium to high, compared to other East Asians countries. Selfpoisoning by exposure to pesticides was the most common self-harm method. Age over 60 had the highest mortality rate. Having a psychiatric co-diagnosis was common. Keywords: Intentional self-harm, Intentional self-poisoning, Self-harm behaviors, Suicide