Comparative Study of Gender Differences in Deliberate Self-harm Behavior in a Rural Indian Population

Abstract Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is influenced by gender roles across different cultures. This study compared sociodemographic factors, depression, suicidal intent, and stressful events between men and women from rural India who attempted DSH. Methodology: A cross-sectional study recruited 136 adults from rural background (88 men and 48 women) with DSH from a rural tertiary center in India, between January 2023 and December 2024, using convenience sampling. Data included sociodemographic factors, Beck’s Suicidal Intent Scale (SIS), Beck Depression Inventory, and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale scores. Gender differences were statistically analyzed. Results: Women attempting DSH were significantly younger with a mean age of 28.3 (standard deviation [SD] =11.61) years compared to men with a mean age of 31.3 years (SD = 10.9) ( P = 0.033). Occupations differed significantly ( P < 0.01), with women predominantly homemakers (48%) and men primarily as farmers (30%). Single marital status was higher in men (76%) than in women (24%) ( P = 0.017). Men were more frequently diagnosed with depressive disorders (56%) and psychotic disorders (37%), while women commonly presented with adjustment disorders (50%) ( P < 0.01). Alcohol dependence (25%) and alcohol use (50%) were common comorbidities in men. Males had higher suicidal intent ( P < 0.01) as compared to females. Insecticide poisoning was observed as the most common self-harm method, with no gender difference. Stressful events like ‘marital conflict’ ( P = 0.004), ‘conflict with in-laws’ ( P < 0.001) are more prevalent in women whereas ‘financial issues’ ( P = 0.023) and ‘large loans’ ( P < 0.001) are more common in males. Conclusion: Rural Women who attempted DSH were generally younger, more often homemakers and commonly presented with adjustment disorders. In contrast, men attempting DSH were typically older, more often farmers, presented with depressive or psychotic disorders and commonly had comorbid alcohol dependence. Men had higher suicidal intent.