Self-Harm in East Africa: A Growing Concern Demanding Urgent Action
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The statistics are stark and deeply concerning. A recent 5-year study (2018-2022) conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenya, has shed light on the alarming prevalence of self-harm in East Africa, revealing trends that demand our immediate attention and concerted effort. The study highlighted some critical findings: Gender Disparity: A staggering 74.3% of self-harm cases involved women, indicating a significant gendered dimension to this issue. Mental Health Link: 88.2% of patients presented with depression, underscoring the strong correlation between mental health disorders and self-harm. Family Dynamics: 39.6% of cases were linked to family conflict, pointing to the crucial role of family support and healthy relationships. Methods and Access: Overdose (68.8%) and self-injury (56.3%) were the most common methods, and a worrying 72.9% of cases first appeared in emergency rooms, signaling a critical lack of early intervention. Barriers to Care: Mental health stigma and t...