DELIBERATE SELF-HARM BY MEANS OF KEROSENE FIRE BY WOMEN IN PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the psychosoci al and sociodemographic factors relating to 10 females admitted to the Bums Unit of the Port Moresby General Hospital with a common diagnosi s of deliberate self-inflicted bums by kerosene fire. All 10 patients were admitted during the first six months of 1990 and all originated f rom Gulf Province. 6 of the 10 patients died despite intensive, standa rd surgical management. Discussion of the results centres around the p ossible causes of the sudden increase in the number of patients presen ting with burns caused by self-inflicted kerosene fire. Recommendation s are made for some preventive measures.