Prevalence and factors associated with shelf-mutilation among adolescents of Male’ school

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of Self-mutilation. A descriptive, cross-sectional Study, by using structured questionnaire, was carried out from 7th - 19Th April at Iskandar School, Thaajuddeen School, Rehendhi School and Ghaazy School. 147 respondents was participated in this study. The result shows prevalence of self-mutilation is 41 students (28%). Other deliberate self-harm includes (10.2%) banging head intentionally and 2.7%) Burn self intentionally. The most frequent reason for self-mutilation shows (37.3%) responded as angry with someone. (22.2%), responded, as I hate myself. (20.3%) upset and tried it. (20.3%) said to cope with uncomfortable feeling. Other reasons they have mentioned was, “My past” and “got low marks”. The study found the frequency and percentages of Self-mutilation among four schools. Iskandar School 17 students (12%) Thaajuddeen School 15 Students (10.3%). Rehendhi School 12 students (8.3%) Ghaazy School 11 students (8%). This study shows significant association between self-mutilation and parental marital status. The result shows Odd ration2.25. Which indicated students whose parents are separated has 2.25 higher chances of self-mutilation than those whose parents are married and living together. The other association found in the study was bullying in Schools. There was significant association between bullying and self-mutilation. Bullying victims have 2.23 times higher chances of self-mutilation than those who were not bullied. The result of this study show very high association between self-mutilation and wanting to kill oneself or suicidal ideation. Crude odd ratio for self-mutilation and wanting to kill oneself is 3.08, which indicated those who self-mutilate have 3 times higher chances of wanting to die or suicide. If Schools and families neglect the findings, there could be serious consequences such as involving high-risk behaviours and violence and increase incidents of attempting suicide among adolescents.