Objective After disaster and breast cancer, self-immolation is the third leading cause of years of life lost among women in Iran. The aim of this study is to investigate risk and protective factors for self-immolation patients.

Methods In a population based case-control study, 151 consecutive cases of deliberate self-inflicted burns admitted to the regional Burn Centre (Imam Khomeini hospital in Kermanshah province, Iran) were compared with 302 controls selected from the community and matched by sex, age, and living area. All cases and controls were reviewed for demographic variables, familial variables, adverse life events, mental disorders and potential protective factors.

Results Using Multivariate logistic regression model of risk and protective factors, eight variables were significantly associated with self-immolation. Family size, Addiction of spouse, Individual history of suicide attempts, Adjustment disorders, Opium dependence, and major depression, were increased the risk of self-immolation and Consulting Services Applying and anxiety about School/University Performance were played role as protective factors. Other variables were not statistically significant.

Conclusions Findings from this study suggest Family size, Addiction of spouse, Individual history of suicide attempts, Adjustment disorders, Opium dependence, major depression, are risk factors for self-immolation and Consulting Services Applying and anxiety School/University Performance were protective factors.

Screening, identification, and education of at-risk individuals on problem-solving and other aspects of coping skills, as well as interpersonal relationships could be appropriate preventive actions and strategies to reduce self-immolation introduce in Iran.