Deliberate Self-Neglect (DSN)

Abstract

Background: Some patients have been noticed to
abandon their health in the presence of severe
illnesses, presenting for treatment at very late
stages; leading to abysmal sequelae.
Aim: The aim of this study therefore is to flag
individuals' nonchalant attitude towards their health. Cases: Five patients presenting with severe health conditions, with abandonment of their health challenges until very late in the conditions are presented.
Discussion: In all the cases, simple cost-effective
measures that could have aided diagnosis and led to early treatment, were never embarked upon until the late stages of the conditions. Poverty, ignorance and poor mental health status, did not appear to be the reason for not treating themselves. Researches to look at psychological, philosophical and superstitious factors are advised.
Conclusion: Abandonment of ones' health when
actions could have been taken, is akin to deliberate self-neglect.