Suicide attempts in HIV/AIDS patients: report of two cases presenting with penetrating abdominal injuries.

BACKGROUND

We present two patients to highlight an emerging trend of suicide attempts presenting to the surgeons with penetrating abdominal injuries found to be HIV/AIDS related.

METHODS

The two patients were managed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in the year 2003. Both patients presented as emergencies with penetrating abdominal injuries and were resuscitated followed by clinical evaluation and laparotomy.

RESULTS

Both patients had visceral injuries that were repaired at laparotomy and were both confirmed HIV positive.

CONCLUSION

There is an emerging trend of suicide attempts in HIV/AIDS patients and the need to determine the suicide pattern that will enable all stakeholders workout a formidable HIV/AIDS and suicide prevention programmes.