Abstract:
Deliberate Self-harm (DSH) adds a significant burden to the health care system in Sri Lanka. Delivering
appropriate psychiatric care is crucial to minimize further risk. The objective of this study was to
describe perception on psychiatric care received by patients who are admitted following DSH to selected
hospitals in Galle District. Sample was taken from a large study which was intended to describe
psychiatric management of patients admitted following DSH to 3 tertiary care hospitals in the Southern
province of Sri Lanka. Only a sub-sample of 60 patients was taken for the analysis and it was further
supplemented with a qualitative component. An interviewer-administered questionnaire (IAQ) was used
and a series of in-depth interviews were also conducted. Descriptive statistics were calculated and
qualitative data was analyzed separately. As per the results, only 22 (36.7%) were referred to the
psychiatry unit and the rest were discharged only after managing their medical problems. A majority
(68.2%) told that they were not informed about the need and importance of psychiatric referral. But a
larger proportion mentioned that it was good (54.5%) and it brought some relief to them (81.8%). Only a
few acknowledged that it helped them to solve their problems (22.7%) and only a very few (13.6%) told
that they were embarrassed because of referring to the psychiatry unit. Out of those who had psychiatric
referral, only 59.0% were requested to attend for clinic follow up. But only 41.6% intended to come.
Upon inquiring about their overall perception about psychiatric referral, almost all gave positive
remarks. However, results of this study can be used a baseline and further studies are needed to confirm
burden issue related to the health care system in Sri Lanka.
