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The epidemiology of self-immolation in Iraq: A systematic review

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  • Darya Rostam Ahmed

Abstract

Background: Self-immolation is one of the most brutal suicide methods and is a significant social and medical problem throughout the world. Self-immolation is more common in low-income countries than in high-income countries. Aim: The aim is to evaluate the trends in self-immolation and examine its frequency in Iraq. Methods: The PRISMA guideline was used to conduct this systematic review study. We searched for publications in English, Arabic and Kurdish in PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 105 publications were identified through the search; however, 92 were eliminated due to duplication and irrelevant content. Finally, 13 full articles were included for data extraction. The inclusion criteria were articles that investigated self-immolation. However, letters to editors and media reports on self-immolation were excluded. The retrieved studies were selected, reviewed and then quality assessed. Results: This study included 13 articles. According to the findings, self-immolation accounted for 26.38% of all burn admissions in the Iraqi provinces and the Kurdistan region, with 16.02% of those occurring in the middle and southern provinces of Iraq and 36.75% in the Kurdistan region. It is more common in women than in men, especially among young, married, illiterate, or poorly educated people. Sulaymaniyah had a higher percentage of self-immolation than other governorates in Iraq, accounting for 38.3% of burn admissions. Cultural and social norms, domestic violence, mental health problems, family conflicts and financial problems were identified as the most common causes of self-immolation. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-immolation is high among the Iraqi population, compared to other countries, particularly among the Kurdish population and in Sulaymaniyah. Self-immolation is relatively common among women. There are sociocultural factors that could contribute to this problem. Families must be restricted from having easy access to kerosene, and high-risk individuals should have access to psychological consultation to reduce the risk of self-immolation.

Suggested Citation

  • Darya Rostam Ahmed, 2023. "The epidemiology of self-immolation in Iraq: A systematic review," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(7), pages 1551-1559, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:69:y:2023:i:7:p:1551-1559
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640231168787
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    1. S M Yasir Arafat & Araz Ramazan Ahmad & Ayoob Kareem Saeed & Vikas Menon & Sheikh Shoib & Sujita Kumar Kar, 2022. "Quality of media reporting of suicide in Iraq," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(2), pages 443-448, March.
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