Cut - Throat Injuries from Deliberate Self Harm and Homicide in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

The act of terminating human life may be suicidal or homicidal, involving violent or non violent methods. Cut throat as a violent method in terminating human life is discussed. All cases of cut throat injuries that were from deliberate infliction over a 9year period(September 1999- August 2008) and the circumstances surrounding such injuries were reviewed from a tertiary health institution in north western Nigeria. A total number of 15 cases were seen. All were males with age range of 18 to 60 years(Mean age 32.47years± SD 11.351) . Ten (66.7%) cases were from deliberate self harm(DSH)(Age range:20-60years, mean age 36.9years±SD 13.017) but were known psychiatric patients who had defaulted in follow-up psychiatric care. Five (33.3%) were homicidal(Age range 18-35years ,mean age 23.8years±SD 8.258) as a result of conflicts, three of whom were under the influence of cannabis. Surgical repair and psychiatric treatment were offered concurrently. One required a tracheostomy to prevent upper airway obstruction from laryngeal trauma. Repair was carried out under local anaesthesia in all but one case that required general anaesthesia. Psychosocial disturbances may lead to DSH, suicide or homicidal cut throat injuries. Psychiatric patients who are not on regular medications accounted for 66.7% of the cases of DSH in this study while 33.3% of the cases were homicidal. Therefore continued follow up of psychiatric patients must be emphasized to prevent these injuries in addition to addressing psychosocial issues that may lead to DSH, suicide, or homicide in the society. Key words: Cut throat injury, Deliberate self harm, Homicide,