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Hetrick SE, Hobbs M, Fortune S, Marek L, Wiki J, Boden JM, Theodore R, Ruhe T, Kokaua JJ, Thabrew H, Milne B, Bowden N. Proximity of alcohol outlets and presentation to hospital by young people after self-harm: A retrospective geospatial study using the integrated data infrastructure. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:152-161. [PMID: 37888830 PMCID: PMC10838485 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231203909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a well-established association between alcohol use, misuse, intoxication and self-harm, the latter of which is associated with suicide. This study aimed to better understand the association between proximity to alcohol outlets and the likelihood of young people presenting to hospital following self-harm. METHODS This was a nationwide retrospective geospatial study using data from the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure using population-level data for 10-29-year-olds for the 2018 and 2017 calendar years. Presentations to hospital following self-harm were identified using the national minimum data set. Proximity to alcohol outlets was defined in road network distance (in kilometres) and ascertained using Integrated Data Infrastructure geospatial data. Alternative measures of proximity were employed in sensitivity analyses. Complete-case two-level random intercept logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between alcohol outlet proximity and hospital presentation for self-harm. Adjusted models included sex, age, ethnicity, area-level deprivation, urbanicity and distance to nearest medical facility. Analyses were also stratified by urbanicity. RESULTS Of the 1,285,368 individuals (mean [standard deviation] age 20.0 [5.9] years), 7944 (0.6%) were admitted to hospital for self-harm. Overall, the odds of presenting to hospital for self-harm significantly decreased as the distance from the nearest alcohol outlet increased, including in adjusted models (adjusted odds ratio 0.980; 95% confidence interval = [0.969-0.992]); the association was robust to changes in the measure of alcohol proximity. The effect direction was consistent across all categorisations of urbanicity, but only statistically significant in large urban areas and rural areas. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study show a clear association between young people's access to alcohol outlets and presentation to hospital for self-harm and may provide a mandate for government policies and universal interventions to reduce young people's access to alcohol outlets. Further research regarding causative mechanisms is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Hetrick
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Suicide Prevention Office, Auckland, New Zealand
- A Better Start: E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Hobbs
- Te Taiwhenua o te Hauora–GeoHealth Laboratory, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Te Kaupeka Oranga, Faculty of Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- The Cluster for Community and Urban Resilience (CURe), University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Fortune
- Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lukas Marek
- Te Taiwhenua o te Hauora–GeoHealth Laboratory, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Te Kaupeka Oranga, Faculty of Health, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Jesse Wiki
- Epidemioloigy and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joseph M Boden
- Christchurch Health and Development Study, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Reremoana Theodore
- National Centre for Lifecourse Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Troy Ruhe
- Va’a O Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jesse J Kokaua
- National Centre for Lifecourse Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Va’a O Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hiran Thabrew
- Te Ara Hāro, Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Barry Milne
- A Better Start: E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Social Sciences and Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences (COMPASS), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicholas Bowden
- A Better Start: E Tipu e Rea National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Subramanian Y, Barrett J, Kim S, Carey C, Barry H, MacHale S. A comparison of daytime and out of hour mental health presentations to Beaumont Hospital Emergency Department between 2018 and 2020. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:2475-2481. [PMID: 36588147 PMCID: PMC9805908 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03249-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2018, there were more than 12,000 self-harm presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Ireland with 50% occurring between 7p.m. and 3a.m. There is evidence that the assessment quality and follow-up is variable across clinicians. To address this, The National Clinical Programme for the Management of Self-Harm in the ED (NCPSH 2016) was developed to set clear standards. AIM Our aim was to compare diagnosis and management of patients presenting to Beaumont Hospital (BH) ED, across a 3-year period, by the on-site Liaison Psychiatry Service, during normal working hours, to the off-site on call service outside of normal working hours (OOH). METHODS This is a retrospective audit of BH ED patients referred for psychiatric assessment between 2018 and 2020, using patient electronic records for data collection, and Pearson's chi square testing for group differences. Post hoc analysis was performed using adjusted residuals and Bonferroni correction. RESULTS Of 3659 psychiatric referrals to Beaumont ED from 2018 to 2020, alcohol-related disorders were the most common diagnosis and were diagnosed more frequently during normal working hours (n = 592, 16.2%; 22.9% normal hours vs 8.5% OOH, p < 0.001), while personality disorder was diagnosed more frequently out of hours. (n = 432, 11.8%; 9.6% normal hours vs 14.4% out of hours, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in referral to voluntary services out of hours (7.2% normal hours vs 0.3% OOH). CONCLUSION In contrast to previous findings, our study found higher rates of alcohol-related disorders diagnosed during normal hours vs OOH. Furthermore, voluntary and addiction services were under-utilised OOH and this presents an important teaching opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - San Kim
- Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Cornelia Carey
- South Meath Mental Health Services, Ashbourne, Co. Meath Ireland
| | - Helen Barry
- Department of Liaison Psychiatry, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhan MacHale
- Department of Liaison Psychiatry, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Evoy DM, Clarke M, Joyce M. Time of self-harm presentations to hospital emergency departments: a scoping review. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:335-354. [PMID: 36053313 PMCID: PMC9971130 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02353-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The time at which a self-harm presentation occurs has been shown to be a significant factor as to whether a patient receives a psychiatric assessment or not, which may benefit the patient's future care. This scoping review sought to identify studies that report on the peak time of day for self-harm presentations to hospital Emergency Departments (EDs). This could help hospital managers to properly allocate the appropriate services for self-harm patients when they are needed the most. METHODS A scoping review of the literature from the year 2000 until 30th June 2021 was carried out using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane library databases. RESULTS There were 22 studies that were included for data extraction. The findings from 20 of these studies indicate that self-harm presentations tend to occur outside of working hours (09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday). The majority of studies found that the peak time for self-harm presentations was in the hours before and after midnight. CONCLUSIONS While this scoping review identified a satisfactory number of studies for data extraction, examination of time of day of presentation was a secondary outcome across most studies. Given that the majority of studies focused on adult samples, further research is necessary to investigate peak times for other age cohorts. More research on this topic is also needed in low- and middle-income countries. Consideration should be given to ensure that the necessary resources to treat hospital presenting self-harm are allocated outside of typical working hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mc Evoy
- Population Health and Health Services, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Mary Clarke
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Population Health and Health Services, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland ,grid.414315.60000 0004 0617 6058Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Mary Joyce
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF), Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Quinlivan L, Gorman L, Littlewood DL, Monaghan E, Barlow SJ, Campbell S, Webb RT, Kapur N. ‘Wasn’t offered one, too poorly to ask for one’ – Reasons why
some patients do not receive a psychosocial assessment following
self-harm: Qualitative patient and carer survey. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:398-407. [PMID: 34015945 PMCID: PMC8941717 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211011262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychosocial assessment following self-harm presentations to hospital is an important aspect of care. However, many people attending hospital following self-harm do not receive an assessment. We sought to explore reasons why some patients do not receive a psychosocial assessment following self-harm from the perspective of patients and carers. METHODS Between March and November 2019, we recruited 88 patients and 14 carers aged ⩾18 years from 16 mental health trusts and community organisations in the United Kingdom, via social media, to a co-designed qualitative survey. Thematic analyses were used to interpret the data. RESULTS Patients' reasons for refusing an assessment included long waiting times, previous problematic interactions with staff and feeling unsafe when in the emergency department. Two people refused an assessment because they wanted to harm themselves again. Participants reported organisational reasons for non-assessment, including clinicians not offering assessments and exclusion due to alcohol intoxication. Other patients felt they did not reach clinically determined thresholds because of misconceptions over perceived heightened fatality risk with certain self-harm methods (e.g. self-poisoning vs self-cutting). CONCLUSION Our results provide important insights into some of the reasons why some people may not receive a psychosocial assessment following self-harm. Parallel assessments, compassionate care and specialist alcohol services in acute hospitals may help reduce the number of people who leave before an assessment. Education may help address erroneous beliefs that self-injury and self-harm repetition are not associated with greatly raised suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Quinlivan
- Division of Psychology and Mental
Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, The University of Manchester,
Manchester, UK,Manchester Academic Health
Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK,Leah Quinlivan, Centre for Mental
Health and Safety, The University of Manchester, Jean McFarlane
Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Louise Gorman
- Division of Psychology and Mental
Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, The University of Manchester,
Manchester, UK,Manchester Academic Health
Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Donna L Littlewood
- Division of Psychology and Mental
Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, The University of Manchester,
Manchester, UK,Manchester Academic Health
Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Monaghan
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen J Barlow
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen Campbell
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Roger T Webb
- Division of Psychology and Mental
Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, The University of Manchester,
Manchester, UK,Manchester Academic Health
Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Nav Kapur
- Division of Psychology and Mental
Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, The University of Manchester,
Manchester, UK,Manchester Academic Health
Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient
Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester,
Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK,Greater Manchester Mental Health
NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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5
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Crouse JJ, Morley KC, Buckley N, Dawson A, Seth D, Monds LA, Tickell A, Kay-Lambkin F, Chitty KM. Online interventions for people hospitalized for deliberate self-harm and problematic alcohol use: Lessons learned from the iiAIM trial. Bull Menninger Clin 2021; 85:123-142. [PMID: 34032460 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2021.85.2.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Deliberate self-harm and suicide affect all age groups, sexes, and regions, and their prevention is a global health priority. Acute alcohol misuse and chronic alcohol misuse are strong, modifiable risk factors, and Internet interventions aiming to reduce alcohol misuse and comorbid mental health problems (e.g., depression) are a promising and effective treatment modality. The research team aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an Internet-based comorbidity intervention primarily aiming to reduce alcohol consumption, and secondarily to reduce readmission for deliberate self-harm and improve psychological outcomes among people hospitalized for deliberate self-harm who also engage in problematic alcohol use. However, due to several barriers to recruitment, the trial could not be completed and was discontinued. The authors present a "Lessons Learned" discussion and describe the Internet Intervention for Alcohol Improvement (iiAIM) trial, discuss the key barriers experienced by the research team, and recommend potential solutions that may help future trials in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Crouse
- University of Sydney, Youth Mental Health and Technology Team, Brain & Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsten C Morley
- University of Sydney, Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Buckley
- University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology Program, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Dawson
- University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology Program, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Drug Health Services, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Devanshi Seth
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Drug Health Services, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of Sydney, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia, and the University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren A Monds
- University of Sydney, Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Tickell
- University of Sydney, Youth Mental Health and Technology Team, Brain & Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frances Kay-Lambkin
- University of Newcastle, Centre for Brain and Mental Health Priority Research Centre, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Kate M Chitty
- University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology Program, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Griffin E, Kavalidou K, Bonner B, O'Hagan D, Corcoran P. Risk of repetition and subsequent self-harm following presentation to hospital with suicidal ideation: A longitudinal registry study. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 23:100378. [PMID: 32529177 PMCID: PMC7280762 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on those who present to hospital with suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation). The aim of this study was to establish the risk of repeat presentation to hospital following suicidal ideation and to identify factors which were associated with further ideation or subsequent self-harm. METHODS Data were obtained from the Northern Ireland Registry of Self-harm. Risk of repeat presentation following hospital-presenting ideation was analysed using Kaplan Meier analyses, specifically cox proportional hazard models. FINDINGS During the period April 2014 to March 2019, a total of 14,695 presentations to hospital due to suicidal ideation were made in Northern Ireland. The cumulative incidence of repeat presentation to hospital was 40·5% within five years, with an 18·3% risk of subsequent self-harm. Previous ideation had the strongest association with repeat presentation. There was evidence of recidivism considering further ideation, with an increased risk according to number of previous presentations. In contrast, risk of subsequent self-harm was highest after the first or second presentation. Male gender and alcohol were associated with further ideation, while females and young people were more likely to re-present with self-harm. INTERPRETATION The findings indicate that individuals who present to hospital with suicidal ideation are at risk of repeat presentation and future self-harm, however clinical guidelines do not specifically address hospital-presenting ideation. The transition from ideation to suicidal behaviour is important to consider and research could inform effective screening and early intervention measures. ROLE OF FUNDING The Northern Ireland Registry of Self-harm is funded by the Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Griffin
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- Corresponding author at: School of Public Health, Room 4.26 Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - K. Kavalidou
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | - B. Bonner
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - D. O'Hagan
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - P. Corcoran
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
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7
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O'Neill S, O'Connor RC. Suicide in Northern Ireland: epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention. Lancet Psychiatry 2020; 7:538-546. [PMID: 32006466 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The rates of suicide and self-harm in Northern Ireland are high, and have increased from 143 registered suicides in 1996 to 313 in 2010 and 318 in 2015. This Review summarises the epidemiology of suicidal behaviour, as well as the evidence from a small number of studies that have identified risk factors associated with high suicide rates in Northern Ireland. These risk factors were mental illness, trauma, exposure to the conflict known as the Troubles, deprivation, relationship problems, employment difficulties, financial difficulties, being LGBT, childhood adversities, and alcohol or drug use. We highlight the key challenges and opportunities for suicide prevention, emphasising a so-called lifespan approach. More needs to be done to address the relationship between substance misuse and suicide. Future research and prevention efforts should also focus on the transgenerational effect of the conflict, youth suicide, suicide prevention in minority groups, and the criminal justice context. The provision of and access to suicide-specific psychosocial interventions need to be prioritised, more support for people in crisis is required, as well as interventions for mental illness. Protect Life 2, the national suicide prevention strategy, needs to be implemented in full. Given the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland, all suicide prevention efforts should be trauma informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan O'Neill
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, County Londonderry, Ulster, UK.
| | - Rory C O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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8
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Griffith A. The importance of clinical registries. J Public Health (Oxf) 2019; 41:648. [PMID: 30307511 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Griffith
- Sydney Local Health District-Speech Pathology, Hospital Rd, Concord Sydney, Australia Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Australia
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9
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Gauthier JM, Cole AB, Bagge CL. A preliminary examination of the association between drinking as a typical coping strategy and level of acute alcohol consumption prior to a suicide attempt. Psychiatry Res 2019; 282:112626. [PMID: 31685287 PMCID: PMC6923992 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Drinking to cope is associated with suicide ideation and attempts. Event-based research shows drinking, particularly when alcohol is consumed in large quantities, increases the intensity of suicidal thoughts and immediate risk for attempt. Such findings suggest those who typically drink to cope may be especially likely to drink heavily in the hours preceding a suicide attempt. In the first examination of the association between regular use of alcohol as a coping strategy and acute alcohol consumption prior to a suicide attempt, participants included 130 patients hospitalized for a recent attempt. The number of drinks consumed in the acute period preceding the attempt, as well as past-year heavy drinking frequency, typical drinking motives, and depressive symptoms were assessed. The unique impacts of coping motives on odds of consuming any alcohol, and of using specific amounts of alcohol in the acute period, were determined through binary and multinomial logistic regressions. Results demonstrated that commonly drinking for coping motives increased the odds of heavy drinking - but not of using alcohol at low levels - during the acute period. Results held after adjusting for relevant covariates. Clinicians should assess drinking motives and prioritize prevention of drinking to cope to reduce risk of alcohol-related suicide attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami M Gauthier
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States; Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Ashley B Cole
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States; Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Courtney L Bagge
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor VA, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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10
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Griffin E, Bonner B, Dillon CB, O’Hagan D, Corcoran P. The association between self-harm and area-level characteristics in Northern Ireland: an ecological study. Eur J Public Health 2019; 29:948-953. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Factors contributing to suicidal behaviour are complex and multi-faceted. This study took an ecological approach to examine the association between area-level factors and rates of self-harm in Northern Ireland.
Methods
Data on self-harm presentations to emergency departments (EDs) were obtained from the Northern Ireland Self-harm Registry. The study included residents of Northern Ireland aged 16–64 years. Deprivation was measured using the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2017. Population density and social fragmentation were calculated using measures from the 2011 census. Associations between area-level factors and self-harm rates were explored using negative binomial regression.
Results
Between 2013 and 2015, 14 477 individuals aged 16–64 years presented to EDs in Northern Ireland following self-harm. The rate of self-harm was 472 per 100 000 and was higher for male residents (478 vs. 467). Self-harm rates were highest in urban areas—680 per 100 000 in Belfast City and 751 per 100 000 in Derry City. Rates of self-harm in Northern Ireland were more than four times higher in the most deprived areas. A positive association with rates of self-harm held for the deprivation domains of employment, crime, education, health and income. There was a moderate association with population density. Some gender differences emerged, with associations with male rates of self-harm more pronounced.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that self-harm rates are highest for those residing in highly deprived areas, where unemployment, crime and low level of education are challenges. Community interventions tailored to meet the needs of specific areas may be effective in reducing suicidal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Griffin
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Paul Corcoran
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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