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Yeung CY, Men VY, Guo Y, Yip PSF. Spatial-temporal analysis of suicide clusters for suicide prevention in Hong Kong: a territory-wide study using 2014-2018 Hong Kong Coroner's Court reports. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2023; 39:100820. [PMID: 37927995 PMCID: PMC10625019 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to (i) identify high-risk suicide-methods clusters, based on location of residence and suicide incidence; and (ii) compare the characteristics of cases and spatial units inside and outside clusters. Methods Suicide data of 4672 cases was obtained from the Coroner's Court reports in Hong Kong (2014-2018). Monthly aggregated suicide numbers based on location of residence, and suicide incidence, were obtained in small tertiary planning units (STPUs). Community-level characteristics and population of STPUs were retrieved from 2016 Census. Retrospective space-time analyses were performed to identify locations with elevated suicide rates over specific time periods, i.e., spatial-temporal clusters. Clusters were evaluated for overall suicide (any method), as well as jumping, hanging, and charcoal burning methods, in location of residence and suicide incidence. Bi-variate analysis was performed to compare the characteristics of cases, and spatial units, inside and outside the clusters. Findings Suicide clusters involving jumping and charcoal burning were identified, but no hanging clusters were found. The within-cluster distribution of types of housing was different from that of outside. For most of the overall suicide and suicide by jumping clusters, spatial units within the clusters were more socially disadvantaged compared to those outside. Interpretation Clusters varied by suicide methods, location of residence and location of incidence. The findings highlighted the need for consistent and concerted support from different stakeholders within suicide clusters, to ensure appropriate design, implementation and sustainability of effective suicide prevention programs. Funding General Research Fund (37000320) and seed fund from the University of Hong Kong (104006710).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Yui Yeung
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Vera Yu Men
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingqi Guo
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Geography (Joint), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Smart Society Lab, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Yeung CY, Men VY, So WWY, Fong DYT, Lam MWC, Cheung DYT, Yip PSF. Correction: Risk and protective factors related to changes in mental health among adolescents since COVID-19 in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:84. [PMID: 37391831 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00634-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Yui Yeung
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Vera Yu Men
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Wendy W Y So
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | | | - Derek Yee Tak Cheung
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Yeung CY, Men VY, So WWY, Fong DYT, Lam MWC, Cheung DYT, Yip PSF. Risk and protective factors related to changes in mental health among adolescents since COVID-19 in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:68. [PMID: 37308933 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00622-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most research has suggested that children and adolescents had poorer mental health than pre-COVID-19 pandemic status. There have been few investigations into factors associated with pre-peri pandemic differences in young people's mental health status. Our study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, attitudes, and daily life experiences and these differences. METHODS We used self-reported cross-sectional data from the Youth Sexuality Survey (YSS) by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, collected from secondary school students aged 10-16 between the fourth and fifth waves of the pandemic. The study outcome was pre-peri pandemic differences in mental health (better, unchanged, or poorer). Associations between the study outcome with age, sex, satisfaction with academic performance, school life, relationship with classmates and family life, and average sleeping and exercising time in the past month, were assessed through multinomial logistic regression, controlling for depressive/anxiety symptoms and change in physical health status since the pandemic. RESULTS There were 6,665 respondents. Compared with pre-pandemic, approximately 30% reported poorer mental health, whilst 20% reported better mental health. Females (OR = 1.355, 95% CI = 1.159-1.585) and those dissatisfied with their academic performance (OR = 1.468, 95% CI = 1.233-1.748) were significantly more likely to report poorer mental health with reference to unchanged status, while those satisfied with family life had improved mental health with reference to unchanged (OR = 1.261, 95% CI = 1.006-1.579) and poorer status (OR = 1.369, 95% CI = 1.085-1.728). CONCLUSION Policy and community strategies that promote good family relationships are thus essential for young people's mental health during societal challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Yui Yeung
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vera Yu Men
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wendy W Y So
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Derek Yee Tak Cheung
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide by charcoal burning has accounted for more than 100,000 deaths. It has become an increasingly common suicide method in Hong Kong since first reported in 1998, and it has spread into South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and other countries. This systematic scoping review aimed to explore current evidence on trends, risk factors, impact of media and prevention strategies for this suicide method, and to identify research gaps. METHODS A search for articles published from January 1998 to June 2021 was conducted through electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and PsycINFO) with the keywords (suicide*) AND (charcoal). Articles describing prevalence, trends, characteristics, risk factors and prevention strategies of charcoal burning suicide deaths were included. Non-peer-reviewed articles, non-English articles, commentaries/editorials/letters, poster abstracts, reviews, meta-analyses and studies that documented only charcoal burning suicide attempters/survivors were excluded. RESULTS Eighty-eight studies were identified, most from East Asia. Charcoal burning suicide rates in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan has passed the peak, while continuing to increase in South Korea. Risk factors are changing and not static. Media appears to play an important role in triggering and spreading information. Restricting access to charcoal, and raising public awareness have been effective in the short term in preventing charcoal burning suicide, but there is little information on their long-term effectiveness or sustainability. DISCUSSION More research is required to update the development and dynamic changes of charcoal burning suicide and the contributing factors. The evidence from this review may assist in detecting and intervening early for future novel suicide methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Yui Yeung
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vera Yu Men
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Emery CR, Abdullah A, Thapa S, Do MH, Jordan L, Huang YT, Men VY, Wekerle C. Invasive Exploitation and the Multiplicative Hypothesis: Polyvictimization and Adolescent Depression Symptoms in Nepal. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP22428-NP22452. [PMID: 35184579 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211072164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adverse effects of childhood maltreatment experience and adolescent depression symptoms are theorized to be more profound for adolescents who have suffered multiple maltreatments (polyvictimization). New theoretical insights into the study of polyvictimization suggest that it must be studied using a multiplicative logic, particularly when maltreatment is characterized by invasive exploitation. This study, for the first time, examined the concept of invasive exploitation in the context of polyvictimization and its association with adolescent depression symptoms. The study used a random, three stage probability proportional to size (PPS) cluster sample of 565 mother-adolescent dyads in Kathmandu, Nepal, and also examined the protective effects of maternal empathy. We hypothesized that (a) singly, the empirical categories of maltreatment (neglect, physical abuse, and child sexual abuse) would associate positively with adolescent depressive symptoms and (b) main effects held constant, the interaction effects of a child sexual abuse X neglect and a child sexual abuse X physical abuse would be positive. Regression with clustering corrections found that neglect (B = 3.17, p < .01) and sexual abuse (B = 3.48, p < .05) positively associated with adolescent depression symptoms. Results support the multiplicative invasive exploitation polyvictimization hypothesis (child sexual abuse X neglect interaction; B = 6.14, p < .05). The positive neglect X sexual abuse interaction is consistent with the theory that sexual abuse is distinct as invasive exploitation, and demonstrates that the multiplicative hypothesis can be fruitfully applied to the study of polyvictimization. Interventions targeting polyvictims with experience of invasive exploitation and studies aiming to provide deeper insights into sexual abuse as invasive exploitation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton R Emery
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Alhassan Abdullah
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Mi-Hyang Do
- Department of Child Welfare Studies, 65374Namseoul University, South Korea
| | - Lucy Jordan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Te Huang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vera Yu Men
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, 3710McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients had elevated risk of suicidality. However, few researches studied the risk/protective factors of suicidal/self-harm behaviors considering the competing risk of death. The objective of this study is to systematically investigate the risk of suicidal/self-harm behaviors among Hong Kong cancer patients as well as the contributing factors. METHODS Patients aged 10 or above who received their first cancer-related hospital admission (2002-2009) were identified and their inpatient medical records were retrieved. They were followed for 365 days for suicidal/self-harm behaviors or death. Cancer-related information and prior 2-year physical and psychiatric comorbidities were also identified. Competing risk models were performed to explore the cumulative incidence of suicidal/self-harm behavior within 1 year as well as its contributing factors. The analyses were also stratified by age and gender. RESULTS In total, 152 061 cancer patients were included in the analyses. The cumulative incidence of suicidal/self-harm behaviors within 1 year was 717.48/100 000 person-years. Overall, cancer severity, a history of suicidal/self-harm behaviors, diabetes and hypertension were related to the risk of suicidal/self-harm behaviors. There was a U-shaped association between age and suicidal/self-harm behaviors with a turning point at 58. Previous psychiatric comorbidities were not related to the risk of suicidal/self-harm behaviors. The stratified analyses confirmed that the impact of contributing factors varied by age and gender. CONCLUSIONS Cancer patients were at risk of suicidal/self-harm behaviors, and the impacts of related factors varied by patients' characteristics. Effective suicide prevention for cancer patients should consider the influence of disease progress and the differences in age and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Yu Men
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Clifton Robert Emery
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Tai-Chung Lam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
- Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
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