Physical Health Impairment, Disability and Suicidal Intent among Self-Harm Survivors in South India

WHO estimates that about 1,70,000 deaths by suicide occur in India every year with especially high risks for young people and in South India, where, about half of suicide deaths are due to poisoning (principally ingestion of pesticides). Suicide rates recorded in the South India region are much higher than the national estimate highlighting a major public health concern. Studies from higher income settings have shown that health status, disability, and activity levels are associated with rates of Self Harm (SH), repetition and complete suicide. Studies which demonstrated improved indicators of health including; quality of life, lower levels of disability and health impairment, fewer chronic conditions, and pain, reported lower levels of depression, self-harm and completed suicide. However, the vast majority of these studies are cross sectional and failed to elucidate the effect of potential mediating or confounding health impairments. To address this gap within the literature a better understanding of the relationship between indicators of health and disability with SH is essential. Further ABSTRACT