Long-term outcomes of deliberate self-poisoning in adolescents and factors associated with repeated self-poisoning and self-injury: A Sri Lankan perspective

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of deliberate self-poisoning in adolescents and identify associated factors for repeated self-poisoning and self-injury among adolescents in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: A total of 400 adolescents were analysed. The primary outcome-recurrence of self-harm behaviours-was reported by 63 participants (15.8%), with 30 (7.5%) experiencing at least one repeated episode of deliberate self-poisoning. Independently associated factors for repeated self-poisoning included suicidal ideation at some point in life (p < 0.001, OR; 41.48, CI; 22.76-58.27), a personal history of psychiatric illness (p = 0.002, OR; 20.86.12, CI; 14.97-32.56), being on medication for depression (p < 0.001, OR; 44.37, CI; 27.38-61.24), and a subjective perception of poor health (p = 0.001, OR; 21.92, CI; 15.06-29.72). Secondary outcomes showed that the mean perceived likelihood of future self-poisoning was 2.6 on a 9-point Likert scale. Regarding current functioning, 71 participants (17.7%) reported difficulty maintaining interpersonal relationships, 46 (11.5%) reported persistent psychological distress, and 38 (9.5%) reported reduced academic or occupational performance. Although 354 participants (88.5%) had received psychological support after the initial event, this was not significantly associated with reduced recurrence of self-harm (p > 0.05).