Psychosocial correlates of suicidal ideation in acid attack survivors

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, burning cases in Pakistan are on the rise and the number of women who were burnt in acid attacks back in 2008 increased from 56 to 155 in 2017. In 2016 majority (69.9%) of acid attack victims were females. The increasing trend of acid attack in Pakistan is worth worrying. The present study is an effort to investigate the impact of stigma, social functioning and isolation on suicidal ideation in acid attack survivors. Methods: A sample of 35 acid attack survivors, aged between 18 to 55 years was taken from Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) Pakistan. Discrimination and Stigma Scale, Social Functioning Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation were used for assessment. Results: In most cases of acid attack, area of burn was upper body specially face and arms. Results revealed significant positive relationship (r=0.38, p=0.02) between isolation and suicidal ideation. Stigma has significant negative relationship (r= -0.38, p=0.02) with social functioning and significant positive relationship (r=0.50, p=0.00) with isolation. Isolation emerged as significant positive predictor (b=0.36, p=0.02) of suicidal ideation in acid attack survivors. Conclusion: Acid attack survivors shall be provided intensive psychological care, in order to preempt the development of suicidal ideations among them. Findings warrant the need that acid attack survivors shouldn’t be isolated, as this aspect can lead them towards destructive thoughts of suicidal ideations.

Pak J Physiol 2019;15(4):31?4