Patterns and outcomes of individuals admitted at emergency units following intentional self-harm in Northern Uganda

Abstract

Abstract We retrospectively reviewed charts of 253 self-harming patients admitted to emergency units in Northern Uganda in 2021. Twenty-two (8.7%) died by suicide, especially due to organophosphate poisoning (n = 14, 63.6%). Regarding self-harm management, observed differences were noted in the type of hospital and the use of antidotes between public and private facilities. There is a need for more studies and a multisector approach to prevent and treat self-harm in Uganda.

Keywords

• Self-harm
• Intentional self-harm
• Uganda
• Emergency care