EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL PATTERNS OF SUICIDAL BURN INJURIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS WITH A FOCUS ON GENDER-BASED OUTCOMES IN BURNS

Background: Suicide remains a critical public health issue globally, with Asia accounting for 60% of cases and India exhibiting particularly high rates, especially among women. Sociocultural factors such as gender based inequality, economic hardship, and lack of mental health support are key contributors, with vulnerable groups including housewives and daily wage earners. In this context, a retrospective hospital-based study was conducted to analyse burns injuries in northern Kerala from 2018 to 2021, focusing on epidemiology and sociodemographic risk factors. Methods: The study reviewed 648 confirmed burns cases admitted to the Burns Unit and ICU, from 2018 (beginning) to 2021 (end). Conclusion:The findings underscore the urgent need for region-specific, gender-sensitive mental health initiatives, especially for young women in high-risk areas like Wayanad. A multifaceted approach addressing sociocultural pressures, economic vulnerability, and access to psychological care is critical in reducing suicide-related burn injuries in Kerala.