The aim of the study was to examine epidemiologic characteristics of suicidal behavior by burns requiring hospitalization in the province of Ilam, Iran.

A prospective population-based study of all suicidal behaviors by burns requiring hospitalization was conducted in the province of Ilam, Iran, from March 21, 2005 to March 20, 2006. Data were obtained from patients, family members, and/or significant others through interviews during the course of hospitalization.

A total of 51 patients with suicidal behavior by burns requiring hospitalization were identified during the study period, representing an overall incidence rate of 12.5 per 100,000 person-year (P-Y). Females had a higher rate of suicidal behavior by burns than males (18.0 vs. 7.2 per 100,000 P-Y) (P < 0.001). The age-specific rate of suicidal behavior by burns peaked at age group 20–29 years. The rate of suicidal behavior by burns was slightly higher among married persons than single persons, although not statistically significant (13.5 vs. 9.8 per 100,000 P-Y) (P = 0.25). The rate of suicidal behavior by burns among the rural population was significantly higher than the urban population (17.9 vs. 9.3 per 100,000 P-Y) (P = 0.02). The most frequent precipitating factor for suicidal behavior was marital conflicts.

The high rate of suicidal behavior by burns among young, married women in Ilam is an alarming social tragedy. Despite substantial efforts toward improving health and human rights, persistent conditions allow violence against women in Iran and that these women continue to turn to the desperate remedy of self-burning.