Correlates of near-fatal deliberate self-harm in Qatar : a retrospective study of psychiatric admissions for suicidal behaviors

Background: There are few research studies from Arab countries on suicide since many cultural and religious factors influence reporting. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the correlates of near-fatal deliberate self-harm in Qatar. Method: The study comprised a retrospective review of documented data of all patients with a suicide attempt admitted to the only Psychiatry Hospital in Qatar over a 12-month period. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the contributors to near-fatal deliberate self-harm. Results: Out of 165 admissions with self-harm, 47 fulfilled criteria for near-fatal deliberate self-harm. The commonest methods were hanging followed by jumping from a height. Limitations: The retrospective nature of the study meant a lot of valuable data was missing. Also, lethality scales were not used and thus could not be measured. Conclusion: Men over the age of 25 years, widowed or divorced, and/or with psychotic disorder were more likely to engage in near-fatal deliberate self-harm.