Non-fatal deliberate self-harm in three remote Indigenous communities in far north Queensland, Australia

Rouen, Chris, Clough, Alan R., and West, Caryn (2019) Non-fatal deliberate self-harm in three remote Indigenous communities in far north Queensland, Australia. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 40 (6). pp. 422-428.

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Abstract

Background: Indigenous Australians experience a suicide rate over twice that of the general population. With nonfatal deliberate self-harm (DSH) being the single most important risk factor for suicide, characterizing the incidence and repetition of DSH in this population is essential. Aims: To investigate the incidence and repetition of DSH in three remote Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Method: DSH presentation data at a primary health-care center in each community were analyzed over a 6-year period from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011. Results: A DSH presentation rate of 1,638 per 100,000 population was found within the communities. Rates were higher in age groups 15–24 and 25–34, varied between communities, and were not significantly different between genders; 60% of DSH repetitions occurred within 6 months of an earlier episode. Of the 227 DH presentations, 32% involved hanging.

Limitations: This study was based on a subset of a larger dataset not specifically designed for DSH data collection and assesses the subset of the communities that presented to the primary health-care centers.

Conclusion: A dedicated DSH monitoring study is required to provide a better understanding of DSH in these communities and to inform early intervention strategies.

Item ID: 57671
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0227-5910
Keywords: deliberate self-harm, Indigenous populations, Australia
Copyright Information: © 2019 Hogrefe Publishing
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Projects and Grants: NHRMC project grant #1042532, NHMRC ECR grant #1070931
Date Deposited: 20 Sep 2019 05:59
FoR Codes: 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4205 Nursing > 420599 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 50%
45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4504 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing > 450420 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920302 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Health Status and Outcomes @ 100%
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