Self-Immolation in the Arab World: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction Self-immolation is the centuries-old act of setting fire to oneself. Recent spikes in self-immolation events have been noticed in the Arab world, specifically in the aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2011. Objectives To examine the literature assessing the characteristics and patterns of suicide by self-immolation in the Arab world. Methods We registered our systematic review in Prospero [CRD42020207164]. We searched PubMed, Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, and Scopus databases from inception until 6 September 2021. We collected relevant articles via title and abstract screening followed by full-text screening. We then conducted a narrative synthesis of the results. Results We found 31 out of 314 articles that fit our inclusion criteria: 4 qualitative and 27 quantitative cross-sectional studies. The quantitative studies had a sample size ranging from 22 to 600 self-inflicted burn victims. The studies emanated from Iraq (n=16), Tunisia (n=6), Saudi Arabia (n=2), Libya (n=2), Jordan (n=2), and Egypt, Palestine and Bahrain collectively (n=3). Studies showed that self-immolators are commonly married females, age ranging between 13 and 66 years old, having no education or solely primary education, and of low socioeconomic status. Self-immolation was more likely to happen at home, usually following marital conflicts, with the primary motive being suicide. Studies highlighted an increase of self-immolation as a form of protest. Kerosene was the most commonly used accelerant. Depression was the most comorbid mental health diagnosis. Conclusions Self-immolation is not uncommon in the Arab world. Specific interventions directed at the population at risk are warranted. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• Suicide
• self-immolation
• arab world