@article{ref1,
title="Increased self-immolation frequency and severity during the COVID-19 pandemic",
journal="Burns: journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries",
year="2022",
author="Jackson, Shane R. and Jung, Mia and Karunaratne, Gehan and Mackenzie, Katherine and Gillies, Rowan and O'Hara, Justine",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the increased restrictions, isolation and stressors associated with COVID-19 led to an increase in rates or severity of self-immolation burn injuries. <br><br>DESIGN: Retrospective review of a prospectively-collected database of New South Wales burn patients, comparing 2020 data with the preceding 5 years. SETTING: Both adult units in the New South Wales Statewide Burn Injury Service (Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital). PARTICIPANTS: All adult patients in New South Wales with self-inflicted burn injuries between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2020. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic information, precipitating factors, burn severity, morbidity and mortality outcomes. <br><br>RESULTS: We found18 episodes of self-immolation in 2020, compared to an average of 10 per year previously. Burn size significantly increased (43% total body surface area vs 28%) as did revised Baux score (92 vs 77). Most patients had a pre-existing psychiatric illness. Family conflict and acute psychiatric illness were the most common precipitating factors. <br><br>CONCLUSION: 2020 saw an increase in both the frequency and severity of self-inflicted burn injuries in New South Wales, with psychiatric illness a major factor.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0305-4179",
doi="10.1016/j.burns.2022.01.002",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2022.01.002"
}