Characteristics and Burden of Hospitalization Because of Intentional Self-Harm: Thai National, Hospital-Based Data for 2010
Pongsatorn Paholpak MD*, Poonsri Rangseekajee MD*, Suwanna Arunpongpaisal MD*, Nawanant Piyavhatkul MD*, Kaewjai Thepsuthammarat PhD**, Suchat Paholpak MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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. Self-
poisoning 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
