Variation in the clinical management of self-harm by area-level socio-economic deprivation: findings from the multicenter study of self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

We investigated disparities in the clinical management of self-harm following hospital presentation with self-harm according to level of socio-economic deprivation (SED) in England.

METHODS

108 092 presentations to hospitals (by 57 306 individuals) after self-harm in the Multicenter Study of Self-harm spanning 17 years. Area-level SED was based on the English Index of Multiple Deprivation. Information about indicators of clinical care was obtained from each hospital's self-harm monitoring systems. We assessed the associations of SED with indicators of care using mixed effect models.

RESULTS

Controlling for confounders, psychosocial assessment and admission to a general medical ward were less likely for presentations by patients living in more deprived areas relative to presentations by patients from the least deprived areas. Referral for outpatient mental health care was less likely for presentations by patients from the two most deprived localities (most deprived: adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.71-0.83, p < 0.0001; 2nd most deprived: aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.87, p < 0.0001). Referral to substance use services and 'other' services increased with increased SED. Overall, referral for aftercare was less likely following presentations by patients living in the two most deprived areas (most deprived: aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.92, p < 0.0001; 2nd most deprived: aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.94, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SED is associated with differential care for patients who self-harm in England. Inequalities in care may exacerbate the risk of adverse outcomes in this disadvantaged population. Further work is needed to understand the reasons for these differences and ways of providing more equitable care.

Self-harm in university students: A comparative analysis of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

Increases in poor mental health and suicide have been identified among university students in the UK. However, little is known about self-harm in this group.

AIMS

To describe and identify care needs of university aged-students who self-harm via comparisons with an age-equivalent non-student group who self-harm.

METHODS

Observational cohort data from The Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England were used to investigate students aged 18 to 24 years who presented to emergency departments for self-harm, 2003 to 2016. Data were collected via clinician reports and medical records from five hospitals in three English regions. Characteristics, rates, repetition, and mortality outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

The student sample included 3491 individuals (983, 28.2 % men; 2507, 71.8 % women; 1 unknown) compared to 7807 (3342, 42.8 % men; 4465, 57.2 % women) non-students. Self-harm increased over time in students (IRR 1.08, 95%CI 1.06-1.10, p < 0.01) but not in non-students (IRR 1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.15). There were differences in monthly distribution of self-harm with more presentations by students in October, November, and February. Characteristics were broadly similar, but students reported more problems with studying and mental health. Repetition (HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.71-0.86, p < 0.01) and mortality (HR 0.51, 95%CI 0.33-0.80, p < 0.01) were lower in students than non-students.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-harm in students may be directly related the student experience, such as academic pressure, relocation, and the transition to independent living. Wellbeing initiatives targeting these factors, alongside mental health awareness training for academic and non-academic staff may help to support students at risk.

Risk of suicide in patients who present to hospital after self-cutting according to site of injury: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

We compared the risk of death by suicide following hospital presentation for self-harm according to site of self-cut/stab.

METHOD

We included 54 999 self-harm presentations (involving 31 419 individuals) to hospitals in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (1/1/2004-31/12/2014), with mortality follow-up to 31/12/2019. Information on method of self-harm was obtained through monitoring in hospitals. Information about mortality was obtained through linkage with NHS Digital. We assessed the association of site of self-cut with death by suicide using mixed effect models.

RESULTS

In total, 10 790 (19.6%) hospital presentations involved self-cutting/stabbing, 7489 of which (69.4%) were due to laceration to the arm/wrist alone, 1846 episodes (17.1%) involved cutting elsewhere on the body, and 1455 (13.5%) were due to laceration to unknown site. Controlling for confounders, presentation to a hospital following self-cut/stab to bodily parts other than wrist/arm was associated with greater chance of subsequent suicide relative to presentation after self-poisoning alone [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-2.96, p = 0.038]. The likelihood of suicide after presentation for cutting/stabbing the wrist/arm alone was comparable to that of patients who had self-poisoned alone. Presentations after laceration involving the neck were associated with a four-fold greater chance of subsequent suicide relative to self-poisoning (aOR 4.09, 95% CI 1.80-9.30, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who attend hospital after self-cutting/stabbing are a heterogeneous group in terms of characteristics, methods of cutting/stabbing and risk of subsequent suicide. Risk of suicide is greater in individuals who self-cut/stab to parts of the body other than the wrist or arm, especially the neck.

The characteristics, life problems and clinical management of older adults who self-harm: Findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

Older adults have a high risk of suicide following self-harm. Contemporary information on self-harm in this population is needed to inform care provision.

OBJECTIVES

To examine subgroup differences in the incidence of self-harm, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, preceding life problems and outcomes in individuals aged 60 years and over presenting to hospital following self-harm.

METHOD

Data on Emergency Department (ED) presentations for self-harm from 2003 to 2016 from three centres in the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England were analysed. Changes in self-harm rates were examined using Poisson regression. Univariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with 12-month self-harm repetition.

RESULTS

There were 3850 presentations for self-harm by 2684 individuals aged 60 years and over. Self-harm rates increased over time for 60-74-year-old men (Incident Rate Ratio = 1.04, 95% Confidence Interval 1.02-1.06, p < 0.0001). Problems most frequently reported to have preceded self-harm were mental health (40.5%) and physical health (38.3%) concerns. Problems with alcohol, finances, employment and relationship with partner were found more frequently in 60-74-year-olds compared with those aged over 74 years. Physical health problems were common with increasing age, as were problems with alcohol for men. One in ten (10.8%) individuals presented to hospital with self-harm within 12 months of their index presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-harm-related ED attendances in older men have increased, particularly for men aged 60-74 years. Prevention and clinical management should involve a comprehensive psychosocial assessment to target common precipitants for the wide range of problems preceding self-harm and may include support with physical and mental wellbeing and advice on safer alcohol use.

Socio-economic disparities in patients who present to hospital for self-harm: patients' characteristics and problems in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

We examined disparities in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and in problems preceding self-harm across levels of socio-economic deprivation (SED) in persons who presented to hospital for self-harm.

METHOD

108,092 presentations to hospitals (by 57,306 individuals) following self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (1/1/2000-31/12/2016). Information on area-level SED was based on the English Index of Multiple Deprivation. Information about patients' characteristics and problems was obtained from self-harm monitoring systems in the hospitals. We assessed the association of SED with the characteristics of interest using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Overall, 45 % of the presentations were by individuals from areas ranked nationally as most deprived, while 13 % of episodes were by individuals from the least deprived areas. Males and non-white ethnic groups were over-represented in the most deprived SED stratum. Previous self-harm was more prevalent in the two most deprived groups. Relationships difficulties with partners and other family members were reported more commonly by individuals from less socio-economically deprived areas, as were problems pertaining to finances and employment or studies. Problems in relationships with friends were more prevalent in the most deprived group relative to other groups.

LIMITATIONS

Information about problems which preceded self-harm was available only for patients who received psychosocial assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients vary considerably across area-level SED strata in terms of gender, ethnicity, and the problems which preceded their self-harm. These findings emphasise the need to use an individualised approach to patients in understanding the unique circumstances which contribute to their self-harm and their specific care needs.

Life problems in children and adolescents who self-harm: findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

Self-harm, a significant and increasing global problem in children and adolescents, is often repeated and is associated with risk of future suicide. To identify potential interventions, we need to understand the life problems faced by children and adolescents, and by sub-groups of younger people who self-harm. Our aims were to include the following: (a) investigate the type and frequency of life problems in a large sample of children and adolescents who self-harmed. (b) Examine whether problems differ between those who repeat self-harm and those who do not.

METHODS

We analysed data for 2000 to 2013 (follow up until 2014) from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England on individuals aged 11 to 18 years who presented to one of the five study hospitals following self-harm and received a psychosocial assessment including questions about problems, which precipitated self-harm.

RESULTS

In 5648 patients (12,261 self-harm episodes), (75.5% female, mean age 16.1 years) the most frequently reported problems at first episode of self-harm were family problems. Problems around study/employment/study and relationships with friends also featured prominently. The types of problems that precede self-harm differed between late childhood/early adolescence. Abuse, mental health problems and legal problems significantly predicted repeat self-harm for females.

CONCLUSION

The most common problems reported by both genders were social/interpersonal in nature, indicating the need for relevant services embedded in the community (e.g. in schools/colleges). Self-harm assessment and treatment choices for children and adolescents must take age and gender into account. To prevent future self-harm, individualised supports and services are particularly needed for abuse, mental health and legal problems.

Loneliness and self-harm in adolescents during the first national COVID-19 lockdown: results from a survey of 10,000 secondary school pupils in England

Adolescents' loneliness and self-harm have received considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic with concerns that the socioecological changes taking place would contribute to an escalation of both loneliness and self-harm. However, empirical evidence is scant. We estimated the prevalence of loneliness and self-harm in adolescent school pupils and investigated the association of loneliness and change in loneliness during the UK's first lockdown with self-harm during lockdown in a cross-sectional school survey (OxWell) involving 10,460 12-18-year-olds from south England. Loneliness was measured with four items. Self-harm was ascertained through a detailed questionnaire. The prevalence of loneliness and self-harm were estimated applying post-stratification weights to account for differences between the study sample and the target population. The associations between indicators of loneliness and self-harm were examined using mixed effect models. 1,896 of 10,460 adolescents (18.1%) reported feeling lonely 'often' (weighted proportion 16.8%). 3,802/10,460 (36.4%; weighted proportion 35%) felt more lonely since lockdown. Self-harm during lockdown was reported by 787/10,460 adolescents (7.5%; weighted proportion 6.7%). Controlling for confounders, adolescents who reported feeling lonely 'often' [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.8, 95% CI 2.1-3.9, p < 0.0001] or 'sometimes' (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.2, p < 0.0001) were more likely to self-harm during lockdown relative to adolescents who reported 'never' or 'hardly ever' feeling lonely. Exacerbation in loneliness during lockdown was associated with an increase in the odds of self-harm during lockdown. Loneliness, heightened loneliness and self-harm were common during lockdown and closely linked. It is important to support schools in address loneliness and self-harm as part of efforts to improve well-being as the long tail of the pandemic continues to impact on child and adolescent mental health. Understanding how loneliness and self-harm may co-vary could be important for future self-harm reduction strategies in young persons.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-03651-5.

Utilization and Acceptability of Formal and Informal Support for Adolescents Following Self-Harm Before and During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: Results From a Large-Scale English Schools Survey

Background

Little is known about the perceived acceptability and usefulness of supports that adolescents have accessed following self-harm, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims

To examine the utilization and acceptability of formal, informal, and online support accessed by adolescents following self-harm before and during the pandemic.

Method

Cross-sectional survey (OxWell) of 10,560 secondary school students aged 12-18 years in the south of England. Information on self-harm, support(s) accessed after self-harm, and satisfaction with support received were obtained via a structured, self-report questionnaire. No tests for significance were conducted.

Results

1,457 (12.5%) students reported having ever self-harmed and 789 (6.7%) reported self-harming during the first national lockdown. Informal sources of support were accessed by the greatest proportion of respondents (friends: 35.9%; parents: 25.0%). Formal sources of support were accessed by considerably fewer respondents (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: 12.1%; psychologist/ psychiatrist: 10.2%; general practitioner: 7.4%). Online support was accessed by 8.6% of respondents, and 38.3% reported accessing no support at all. Informal sources of support were rated as most helpful, followed by formal sources, and online support. Of the respondents who sought no support, 11.3% reported this as being helpful.

Conclusions

More than a third of secondary school students in this sample did not seek any help following self-harm. The majority of those not seeking help did not find this to be a helpful way of coping. Further work needs to determine effective ways of overcoming barriers to help-seeking among adolescents who self-harm and improving perceived helpfulness of the supports accessed.

The early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with severe mental illness: An interrupted time series study in South-East England

Background

Deterioration in general population mental health since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported, but the impact of the pandemic on people with severe mental illness (SMI) has received less attention.

Aims

To understand the impact of the early stages of the pandemic on the patients with SMI, in terms of provision of mental health care and patient outcomes.

Method

We examined records of 34,446 patients with SMI in Oxford Health Foundation Trust between March 2016 and July 2020. We used interrupted time-series analysis to estimate the immediate and subsequent changes in weekly rates of the use of community mental health services, hospitalization, and patient outcomes (as measured by Health of the Nation Outcome Scales, or HoNOS, scores) during the weeks of lockdown between March 23, 2020 and July 3, 2020.

Results

Mean total HoNOS scores for all patients deteriorated in the weeks subsequent to lockdown (0.060 per week; 95%CI: 0.033, 0.087). Scores for patients with a history of psychosis deteriorated immediately (0.63; 95% CI: 0.26, 1.0). There was an immediate decrease in weekly referrals to community and outpatient services (−196; 95%CI: −300, −91) and no immediate change in weekly inpatient admissions (−4.2; 95%CI: −9.9, 1.5) or weekly total contacts (−26; 95%CI: −475, 423).

Conclusions

Patients with SMI were negatively impacted during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with a history of psychosis experienced distinct and immediate impacts. During the same period, referrals to community and outpatient services fell with no consequent impact on inpatient admissions.

Self-harm in people experiencing homelessness: investigation of incidence, characteristics and outcomes using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England

BACKGROUND

People who experience homelessness are thought to be at high risk of suicide, but little is known about self-harm in this population.

AIMS

To examine characteristics and outcomes in people experiencing homelessness who presented to hospital following self-harm.

METHOD

Data were collected via specialist assessments and/or hospital patient records from emergency departments in Manchester, Oxford and Derby, UK. Data were collected from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016, with mortality follow-up via data linkage with NHS Digital to 31 December 2019. Trend tests estimated change in self-harm over time; descriptive statistics described characteristics associated with self-harm. Twelve-month repetition and long-term mortality were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models and controlled for age and gender.

RESULTS

There were 4841 self-harm presentations by 3270 people identified as homeless during the study period. Presentations increased after 2010 (IRR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14, P < 0.001). People who experienced homelessness were more often men, White, aged under 54 years, with a history of previous self-harm and contact with psychiatric services. Risk of repetition was higher than in domiciled people (HR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.94-2.17, P < 0.001), as were all-cause mortality (HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.32-1.59. P < 0.001) and mortality due to accidental causes (HR = 2.93, 95% CI 2.41-3.57, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

People who self-harm and experience homelessness have more complex needs and worse outcomes than those who are domiciled. Emergency department contact presents an opportunity to engage people experiencing homelessness with mental health, drug and alcohol, medical and housing services, as well as other sources of support.

Cost-effectiveness of psychosocial assessment for individuals who present to hospital following self-harm in England: a model-based retrospective analysis

Background

Guidance in England recommends psychosocial assessment when presenting to hospital following self-harm but adherence is variable. There is some evidence suggesting that psychosocial assessment is associated with lower risk of subsequent presentation to hospital for self-harm, but the potential cost-effectiveness of psychosocial assessment for hospital-presenting self-harm is unknown.

Methods

A three-state four-cycle Markov model was used to assess cost-effectiveness of psychosocial assessment after self-harm compared with no assessment over 2 years. Data on risk of subsequent self-harm and hospital costs of treating self-harm were drawn from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England, while estimates of effectiveness of psychosocial assessment on risk of self-harm, quality of life, and other costs were drawn from literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for cost per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained were estimated. Parameter uncertainty was addressed in univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

Cost per QALY gained from psychosocial assessment was £10,962 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] £15,538–£9,219) from the National Health Service (NHS) perspective and £9,980 (95% UI £14,538–£6,938) from the societal perspective. Results were generally robust to changes in model assumptions. The probability of the ICER being below £20,000 per QALY gained was 78%, rising to 91% with a £30,000 threshold.

Conclusions

Psychosocial assessment as implemented in the English NHS is likely to be cost-effective. This evidence could support adherence to NICE guidelines. However, further evidence is needed about the precise impacts of psychosocial assessment on self-harm repetition and costs to individuals and their families beyond immediate hospital stay.

Self-harm in children 12 years and younger: characteristics and outcomes based on the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

Very little is known about self-harm in children. We describe the characteristics and outcomes of children under 13 years who presented following self-harm to five hospitals in England.

METHODS

We included children under 13 years who presented after self-harm to hospitals in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. Information on patients' characteristics and method of self-harm was available through monitoring of self-harm in the hospitals. Area level of socioeconomic deprivation was based on the English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).

RESULTS

387 children aged 5-12 years presented to the study hospitals in 2000-2016, 39% of whom were 5-11 years. Boys outnumbered girls 2:1 at 5-10 years. The numbers of boys and girls were similar at age 11, while at 12 years there were 3.8 girls to every boy. The proportion of study children living in neighbourhoods ranked most deprived (43.4%) was twice the national average. 61.5% of children self-poisoned, 50.6% of them by ingesting analgesics. Of children who self-injured, 45.0% self-cut/stabbed, while 28.9% used hanging/asphyxiation. 32% of the children had a repeat hospital presentation for self-harm, 13.5% re-presented within a year.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender patterns of self-harm until age 11 years are different to those of adolescents, with a male preponderance, especially in 5-10 years, and hanging/suffocation being more common. The frequent use of self-poisoning in this age group highlights the need for public health messages to encourage safer household storage of medicines. Self-harm in children is strongly associated with socioeconomic deprivation; understanding the mechanisms involved could be important in effective prevention.

Study protocol: the OxWell school survey investigating social, emotional and behavioural factors associated with mental health and well-being

INTRODUCTION

Improving our understanding of the broad range of social, emotional and behavioural factors that contribute to mental health outcomes in adolescents will be greatly enhanced with diverse, representative population samples. We present a protocol for a repeated self-report survey assessing risk and protective factors for mental health and well-being in school pupils aged 8-18 years with different socioeconomic backgrounds in England. The survey will provide a comprehensive picture of mental health and associated risks at the community level to inform the development of primary and secondary prevention and treatment strategies in schools.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This protocol is for a large-scale online repeated self-report survey, representative of children and adolescents aged 8-18 years attending schools or further education colleges in participating counties in England. The survey consists of around 300 questions, including validated measures of mental health and well-being, risk and protective factors, and care-seeking behaviour and preferences. Additional questions each year vary to address current events and novel hypotheses, developed by the research team, collaborators and stakeholders. Primary analyses will investigate current and changing risk and protective factors, care-seeking behaviour and attitudes to allowing linkage of their sensitive data to other databases for research, and will compare measures of mental health to measures of well-being.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the University of Oxford Research Ethics Committee (Reference: R62366). Tailored data summaries will be provided to participating schools and stakeholders within 3 months of data collection. The main findings will be presented at scientific meetings, published in peer-reviewed journals and shared via digital and social media channels. At the end of the study, other researchers will be able to apply for access to anonymous data extracts.

Self-harm in children and adolescents by ethnic group: an observational cohort study from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England

BACKGROUND

Studies report an increasing incidence of self-harm in children and adolescents, but the extent to which this is seen in different ethnic groups is unclear. We aimed to investigate rates of emergency department presentations for self-harm in children and adolescents by ethnicity, as well as to examine their demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, we used data on hospital emergency department presentations for self-harm in children and adolescents aged 10-19 years between 2000 and 2016 from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. This study collects data from five general hospitals in Manchester, Oxford, and Derby in the UK, and defines self-harm as any act of intentional self-injury or self-poisoning, regardless of intent. All children and adolescents aged 10-19 years for whom ethnicity data were available were included. Mortality follow-up was available through linkage with mortality records from the Office for National Statistics. Rates of self-harm over time, demographic and clinical characteristics, and self-harm methods were investigated by ethnic group. Risk of repeat self-harm and mortality following an initial presentation for self-harm was compared by ethnic group using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models.

FINDINGS

Of 14 894 individuals who presented at hospitals with self-harm, 11 906 had data for ethnicity, of whom 10 211 (85·8%) were White, 344 (2·9%) were Black, 619 (5·2%) were South Asian, and 732 (6·1%) were other non-White. Rates of self-harm were highest in White children and adolescents but increased between 2009 and 2016 in all ethnicities. Mean annual rates of self-harm per 100 000 population were 574 for White, 225 for Black, 260 for South Asian, and 344 for other non-White groups. Increases in rates of self-harm between 2009 and 2016 appeared slightly greater in Black groups (incidence rate ratio 1·07 [95% CI 1·03-1·11]), South Asian groups (1·05 [1·01-1·09]), and other non-White groups (1·11 [1·06-1·16]) than in White groups (1·02 [1·00-1·03]). Children and adolescents from a minority ethnic background were more likely to live in areas of high deprivation and were less likely to receive a specialist psychosocial assessment than were White children and adolescents. Children and adolescents from minority ethnic groups were also less likely to repeat self-harm. However, there were no differences in suicide mortality by ethnic group, although the numbers were small.

INTERPRETATION

Minority ethnic children and adolescents accounted for an increased proportion of self-harm presentations to hospital over time compared with White ethnic groups. The minority ethnic groups also tended to be more socioeconomically disadvantaged and were less likely to receive a psychosocial assessment. Socioeconomic disparities need to be addressed, and equitable access to culturally sensitive comprehensive psychosocial assessments must be ensured.

FUNDING

UK Department of Health and Social Care.

COVID-19 partial school closures and mental health problems: A cross-sectional survey of 11,000 adolescents to determine those most at risk

Background

Understanding adolescents' mental health during lockdown and identifying those most at risk is an urgent public health challenge. This study surveyed school pupils across Southern England during the first COVID‐19 school lockdown to investigate situational factors associated with mental health difficulties and how they relate to pupils' access to in‐school educational provision.

Methods

A total of 11,765 pupils in years 8–13 completed a survey in June–July 2020, including questions on mental health, risk indicators and access to school provision. Pupils at home were compared to those accessing in‐school provision on risk and contextual factors and mental health outcomes. Multilevel logistic regression analyses compared the effect of eight risk and contextual factors, including access to in‐school provision, on depression, anxiety and self‐reported deterioration in mental wellbeing.

Results

Females, pupils who had experienced food poverty and those who had previously accessed mental health support were at greatest risk of depression, anxiety and a deterioration in wellbeing. Pupils whose parents were going out to work and those preparing for national examinations in the subsequent school year were also at increased risk. Pupils accessing in‐school provision had poorer mental health, but this was accounted for by the background risk and contextual factors assessed, in line with the allocation of in‐school places to more vulnerable pupils.

Conclusions

Although the strongest associations with poor mental health during school closures were established risk factors, further contextual factors of particular relevance during lockdown had negative impacts on wellbeing. Identifying those pupils at greatest risk for poor outcomes is critical for ensuring that appropriate educational and social support can be given to pupils either at home or in‐school during subsequent lockdowns.

Self-harm during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic in England: Comparative trend analysis of hospital presentations

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures necessary to address it may have major effects on mental health, including on self-harm. We have used well-established monitoring systems in two hospitals in England to investigate trends in self-harm presentations to hospitals during the early period of the pandemic.

METHOD

Data collected in Oxford and Derby on patients aged 18 years and over who received a psychosocial assessment after presenting to the emergency departments following self-harm were used to compare trends during the three-month period following lockdown in the UK (23^rd March 2020) to the period preceding lockdown and the equivalent period in 2019.

RESULTS

During the 12 weeks following introduction of lockdown restrictions there was a large reduction in the number of self-harm presentations to hospitals by individuals aged 18 years and over compared to the pre-lockdown weeks in 2020 (mean weekly reduction of 13.5 (95% CI 5.6 - 21.4) and the equivalent period in 2019 (mean weekly reduction of 18.0 (95% CI 13.9 - 22.1). The reduction was greater in females than males, occurred in all age groups, with a larger reduction in presentations following self-poisoning than self-injury.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial decline in hospital presentations for self-harm occurred during the three months following the introduction of lockdown restrictions. Reasons could include a reduction in self-harm at the community level and individuals avoiding presenting to hospital following self-harm. Longer-term monitoring of self-harm behaviour during the pandemic is essential, together with efforts to encourage help-seeking and the modification of care provision.

Paracetamol self-poisoning: Epidemiological study of trends and patient characteristics from the multicentre study of self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

Paracetamol is frequently used for intentional self-poisoning, especially in the UK, despite pack size restrictions introduced in 1998. Knowing more about paracetamol self-poisoning may identify further approaches to prevention.

METHODS

We used data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England for 2004-2014 to calculate incidence rates of presentations to Emergency Departments following self-poisoning with pure paracetamol alone. National estimates for England for 2011-2014 were extrapolated using indirect age-standardised rates. The characteristics of individuals taking paracetamol overdoses and the size of the overdoses were investigated.

RESULTS

A third of 54,863 intentional overdoses presenting to the five Emergency Departments involved paracetamol without other drugs (N = 18,011), taken by 13,171 individuals (63.4% female).  The proportion of paracetamol self-poisonings was similar in the three centres. Extrapolation suggested there were approximately 50,000 paracetamol overdoses in England annually during 2011-2014. Females had higher rates of paracetamol overdose than males.  Males and older individuals took larger overdoses.  Nearly a quarter of individuals (24.2%) consumed more than 32 tablets. Alcohol was involved in 53.7% of paracetamol overdoses.

LIMITATIONS

Data were collected in three centres with predominantly urban populations. Extrapolation from local to national rates should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

Paracetamol overdose remains a major problem in the UK. It is more common in females and younger patients, but males and older patients consume larger overdoses. Consideration should be given to further restriction in pack sizes and sources of sales, in keeping with those of several other European countries.

Comparing short-term risk of repeat self-harm after psychosocial assessment of patients who self-harm by psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses in a general hospital: Cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is mixed evidence for whether psychosocial assessment following hospital presentation for self-harm reduces self-harm repetition. A possible reason is the differences in professional background of assessors (primarily psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses) due to variability in training and therapist style.

METHODS

Using data from the Oxford Monitoring System for Self-harm, we analysed data on patients making their first emergency department (ED) presentation for self-harm between 2000 and 2014, followed-up until 2015. Using logistic regression, we estimated the probability of repeat self-harm within 12 months, comparing: (i) patients receiving psychosocial assessment versus none, adjusting for age, gender, self-harm method, past self-harm presentation, and general hospital admission; and (ii) patients assessed by a psychiatric nurse versus those assessed by a psychiatrist, adjusting for age, self-harm method, time and year of presentation.

RESULTS

The 12,652 patients who had an index ED presentation for self-harm during the study period accounted for 24,450 presentations, in 17,303 (71%) of which a psychosocial assessment was conducted; in 9318 (54%) by a psychiatric nurse and in 7692 (45%) by a psychiatrist. We found a reduced probability of repeat self-harm presentation among patients receiving psychosocial assessment versus none (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.65-0.75; p < 0.001), but no differences between patients assessed by a psychiatric nurse or a psychiatrist (AOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.98-1.13; p = 0.129).

LIMITATIONS

Findings from a single hospital may not be generalizable to other settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term risk of repeat self-harm after psychosocial assessment for self-harm may not differ by the assessor's professional background.

Mortality in children and adolescents following presentation to hospital after non-fatal self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents are growing problems, and self-harm is associated with a significant risk of subsequent death, particularly suicide. Long-term follow-up studies are necessary to examine the extent and nature of this association.

METHODS

For this prospective observational cohort study, we used data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England for all individuals aged 10-18 years who presented to the emergency department of five study hospitals in Oxford, Manchester, and Derby after non-fatal self-harm between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2013. Deaths were identified through the Office for National Statistics via linkage with data from NHS Digital up until Dec 31, 2015. The key outcomes were mortality after presentation to hospital for self-harm, categorised into suicide, accidental deaths, and death by other causes. We calculated incidence of suicide since first hospital presentation for self-harm and used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the associations between risk factors (sex, age, previous self-harm) and suicide.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2013, 9303 individuals aged 10-18 years presented to the study hospitals. 130 individuals were excluded because they could not be traced on the national mortality register or had missing data on sex or age, thus the resulting study sample consisted of 9173 individuals who had 13 175 presentations for self-harm. By the end of the follow-up on Dec 31, 2015, 124 (1%) of 9173 individuals had died. 55 (44%) of 124 deaths were suicides, 27 (22%) accidental, and 42 (34%) due to other causes. Of the 9173 individuals who presented for self-harm, 55 (0·6%) died by suicide. Most suicide deaths involved self-injury (45 [82%] of 55 deaths). Switching of method between self-harm and suicide was common, especially from self-poisoning to hanging or asphyxiation. The 12-month incidence of suicide in this cohort was more than 30 times higher than the expected rate in the general population of individuals aged 10-18 years in England (standardised mortality ratio 31·0, 95% CI 15·5-61·9). 42 (76%) of 55 suicides occurred after age 18 years and the annual incidence remained similar during more than 10 years of follow-up. Increased suicide risk was associated with male sex (adjusted hazard ratio 2·50, 95% CI 1·46-4·26), being an older adolescent at presentation to hospital for self-harm (1·82, 0·93-3·54), use of self-injury for self-harm (2·11, 1·17-3·81; especially hanging or asphyxiation [4·90, 1·47-16·39]), and repeated self-harm (1·87, 1·10-3·20). Accidental poisoning deaths were especially frequent among males compared with females (odds ratio 6·81, 95% CI 2·09-22·15).

INTERPRETATION

Children and adolescents who self-harm have a considerable risk of future suicide, especially males, older adolescents, and those who repeated self-harm. Risk might persist over several years. Switching of method from self-harm to suicide was common, usually from self-poisoning to self-injury (especially hanging or asphyxiation). Self-harm is also associated with risk of death from accidental poisoning, particularly involving drugs of abuse, especially in young males.

FUNDING

UK Department of Health and Social Care.

Body mass index in midlife and risk of attempted suicide and suicide: prospective study of 1 million UK women

BACKGROUND

High body mass index (BMI) has been associated with lower risks of suicidal behaviour and being underweight with increased risks. However, evidence is inconsistent and sparse, particularly for women. We aim to study this relationship in a large cohort of UK women.

METHODS

In total 1.2 million women, mean age 56 (s.d. 5) years, without prior suicide attempts or other major illness, recruited in 1996-2001 were followed by record linkage to national hospital admission and death databases. Cox regression yielded relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for attempted suicide and suicide by BMI, adjusted for baseline lifestyle factors and self-reported treatment for depression or anxiety.

RESULTS

After 16 (s.d. 3) years of follow-up, 4930 women attempted suicide and 642 died by suicide. The small proportion (4%) with BMI <20 kg/m2 were at clearly greater risk of attempted suicide (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.23-1.56) and suicide (RR = 2.10, 1.59-2.78) than women of BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons. Small body size at 10 and 20 years old was also associated with increased risks. Half the cohort had BMIs >25 kg/m2 and, while risks were somewhat lower than for BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2 (attempted suicide RR = 0.91, 0.86-0.96; p = 0.001; suicide RR = 0.79, 0.67-0.93; p = 0.006), the reductions in risk were not strongly related to level of BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Being underweight is associated with a definite increase in the risk of suicidal behaviour, particularly death by suicide. Residual confounding cannot be excluded for the small and inconsistent decreased risk of suicidal behaviour associated with being overweight or obese.

Self-harm in midlife: analysis using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

BACKGROUND

In England suicide rates are highest in midlife (defined as age 40-59). Despite a strong link with suicide there has been little focus on self-harm in this age group.AimTo describe characteristics and treatment needs of people in midlife who present to hospital following self-harm.

METHOD

Data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England were used to examine rates over time and characteristics of men and women who self-harm in midlife. Data (2000-2013) were collected via specialist assessments or hospital records. Trends were assessed by negative binomial regression models. Comparative analysis used logistic regression models for binary outcomes. Repetition and suicide mortality were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

A quarter of self-harm presentations were made by people in midlife (n = 24 599, 26%). Incidence rates increased over time in men, especially after 2008 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12, P < 0.01), and were positively correlated with national suicide incidence rates (r = 0.52, P = 0.05). Rates in women remained relatively stable (IRR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P = 0.39) and were not correlated with suicide. Alcohol use, unemployment, housing and financial factors were more common in men; whereas indicators of poor mental health were more common in women. In men and women 12-month repetition was 25%, and during follow-up 2.8% of men and 1.2% of women died by suicide.

CONCLUSION

Self-harm in midlife represents a key target for intervention. Addressing underlying issues, alcohol use and economic factors may help prevent further self-harm and suicide.Declaration of interestK.H. and N.K. are members of the Department of Health's National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group. N.K. chaired the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline development group for the longer-term management of self-harm and the NICE Topic Expert Group which developed the quality standards for self-harm services. N.K. also chairs the NICE guideline committee for the management of depression. All other authors declare no conflict of interest.

Relative toxicity of mood stabilisers and antipsychotics: case fatality and fatal toxicity associated with self-poisoning

BACKGROUND

Bipolar and other psychiatric disorders are associated with considerably increased risk of suicidal behaviour, which may include self-poisoning with medication used to treat the disorder. Therefore, choice of medication for treatment should include consideration of toxicity, especially for patients at risk. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative toxicity of specific drugs within two drug categories, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, using large-scale databases to provide evidence that could assist clinicians in making decisions about prescribing, especially for patients at risk of suicidal behaviour.

METHOD

Two indices were used to assess relative toxicity of mood stabilisers and antipsychotics: case fatality (the ratio between rates of fatal and non-fatal self-poisoning) and fatal toxicity (the ratio between rates of fatal self-poisoning and prescription). Mood stabilisers assessed included lithium [reference], sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine, while antipsychotics included chlorpromazine [reference], clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone. Fatal self-poisoning (suicide) data were provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), non-fatal self-poisoning data by the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England, and information on prescriptions by the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The primary analysis focussed on deaths due to a single drug. Cases where the drug of interest was listed as the likely primary toxic agent in multiple drug overdoses were also analysed. The study period was 2005-2012.

RESULTS

There appeared to be little difference in toxicity between the mood stabilisers, except that based on case fatality where multiple drug poisonings were considered, carbamazepine was over twice as likely to result in death relative to lithium (OR 2.37 95% CI 1.16-4.85). Of the antipsychotics, clozapine was approximately18 times more likely to result in death when taken in overdose than chlorpromazine (single drug case fatality: OR 18.53 95% CI 8.69-39.52). Otherwise, only risperidone differed from chlorpromazine, being less toxic (OR 0.06 95% CI 0.01-0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

There was little difference in toxicity of the individual mood stabilisers. Clozapine was far more toxic than the other antipsychotics. The findings are relevant to prescribing policy, especially for patients at particular risk of suicidal behaviour.

Suicide and all-cause mortality following routine hospital management of self-harm: Propensity score analysis using multicentre cohort data

BACKGROUND

Observational studies are suited to examining links between the routine hospital management of self-harm and future suicide and all-cause mortality due to their large scale. However, care must be taken when attempting to infer causal associations in non-experimental settings.

METHODS

Data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England were used to examine associations between four types of hospital management (specialist psychosocial assessment, general hospital admission, psychiatric outpatient referral and psychiatric admission) following self-harm and risks of suicide and all-cause mortality in the subsequent 12 months. Missing data were handled by multiple imputation and propensity score (PS) methods were used to address observed differences between patients at baseline. Unadjusted, PS stratified and PS matched risk ratios (RRs) were calculated.

RESULTS

The PSs balanced the majority of baseline differences between treatment groups. Unadjusted RRs showed that all four treatment types were associated with either increased risks or no change in risks of suicide and all-cause mortality within a year. None of the four types of hospital management were associated with lowered risks of suicide or all-cause mortality following propensity score stratification (psychosocial assessment and medical admission) and propensity score matching (psychiatric outpatient referral and psychiatric admission), though there was no longer an increased risk among people admitted to a psychiatric bed. Individuals who self-cut were at an increased risk of death from any cause following psychosocial assessment and medical admission. Medical admission appeared to be associated with reduced risk of suicide in individuals already receiving outpatient or GP treatment for a psychiatric disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

More intensive forms of hospital management following self-harm appeared to be appropriately allocated to individuals with highest risks of suicide and all-cause mortality. PS adjustment appeared to attenuate only some of the observed increased risks, suggesting that either differences between treatment groups remained, or that some treatments had little impact on reducing subsequent suicide or all-cause mortality risk. These findings are in contrast to some previous studies that have suggested psychosocial assessment by a mental health specialist reduces risk of repeat self-harm. Future observational self-harm studies should consider increasing the number of potential confounding variables collected.

Relative toxicity of benzodiazepines and hypnotics commonly used for self-poisoning: An epidemiological study of fatal toxicity and case fatality

The relative toxicity of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs commonly used for self-poisoning was assessed using data on suicides, prescriptions and non-fatal self-poisonings in England, 2005-2012. Data on suicide by self-poisoning were obtained from the Office for National Statistics, information on intentional non-fatal self-poisoning was derived from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England and data on prescriptions in general practice from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We used two indices of relative toxicity: fatal toxicity (the number of fatal self-poisonings relative to the number of individuals prescribed each drug) and case fatality (the number of fatal relative to non-fatal self-poisonings). Diazepam was the reference drug in all analyses. Temazepam was 10 times (95% confidence interval 5.48-18.99) and zopiclone/zolpidem nine times (95% confidence interval 5.01-16.65) more toxic in overdose than diazepam (fatal-toxicity index). Temazepam and zopiclone/zolpidem were 13 (95% confidence interval 6.97-24.41) and 12 (95% confidence interval 6.62-22.17) times more toxic than diazepam, respectively (case-fatality index). Differences in alcohol involvement between the drugs were unlikely to account for the findings. Overdoses of temazepam and zopiclone/zolpidem are considerably more likely to result in death than overdoses of diazepam. Practitioners need to exercise caution when prescribing these drugs, especially for individuals who may be at risk of self-harm, and also consider non-pharmacological options.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety and 11-year all-cause mortality in men and women undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the overall and the sex-specific association of preoperative and one-year post coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery symptoms of depression and anxiety with 11-year all-cause mortality.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective study including 1125 patients who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before an elective CABG surgery, of whom 850 completed the HADS again at one-year follow-up. Information on all-cause mortality was obtained through the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs Register. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models quantified the association of symptoms of depression and anxiety with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Females comprised 22.7% of the cohort and were 5.5years older than males (70.0±9.3 and 64.4±10.3years, respectively). Controlling for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, illness severity and post-surgery participation in cardiac rehabilitation, there was little evidence of an association between preoperative symptoms of depression and mortality in males [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR_males)=1.03, 95% CI 0.99-1.07, p=0.21] or females (aHR_females=1.01, 95% CI 0.95-1.08, p=0.7). One-year postoperative symptoms of depression were associated with mortality in both males (aHR_males=1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10, p=0.03) and females (aHR_females=1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.13, p=0.013). Preoperative symptoms of anxiety were unrelated to mortality overall, but among females postoperative symptoms of anxiety predicted 11-year mortality (aHR_females=1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.14, p=0.049). There was no HADS by sex interaction (p for interaction=0.12-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of depression one-year after surgery were positively related to mortality with little evidence for sex differences. These findings underscore the need for identification and treatment of psychiatric symptoms in patients undergoing CABG surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00356863.

General hospital costs in England of medical and psychiatric care for patients who self-harm: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Self-harm is an extremely common reason for hospital presentation. However, few estimates have been made of the hospital costs of assessing and treating self-harm. Such information is essential for planning services and to help strengthen the case for investment in actions to reduce the frequency and effects of self-harm. In this study, we aimed to calculate the costs of hospital medical care associated with a self-harm episode and the costs of psychosocial assessment, together with identification of the key drivers of these costs.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis, we estimated hospital resource use and care costs for all presentations for self-harm to the John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford, UK), between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Episode-related data were provided by the Oxford Monitoring System for Self-harm and we linked these with financial hospital records to quantify costs. We assessed time and resources allocated to psychosocial assessments through discussion with clinical and managerial staff. We then used generalised linear models to investigate the associations between hospital costs and methods of self-harm.

FINDINGS

Between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, 1647 self-harm presentations by 1153 patients were recorded. Of these, 1623 (99%) presentations by 1140 patients could be linked with hospital finance records. 179 (16%) patients were younger than 18 years. 1150 (70%) presentations were for self-poisoning alone, 367 (22%) for self-injury alone, and 130 (8%) for a combination of methods. Psychosocial assessments were made in 75% (1234) of all episodes. The overall mean hospital cost per episode of self-harm was £809. Costs differed significantly between different types of self-harm: self-injury alone £753 (SD 2061), self-poisoning alone £806 (SD 1568), self-poisoning and self-injury £987 (SD 1823; p<0·0001). Costs were mainly associated with the type of health-care service contact such as inpatient stay, intensive care, and psychosocial assessment. Mean costs of psychosocial assessments were £228 for adults and £392 for individuals younger than 18 years.

INTERPRETATION

If our findings are extrapolated to England, the estimated overall annual cost of general hospital management of self-harm is £162 million per year. More use of psychosocial assessment and other preventive measures, especially for young people and against self-poisoning, could potentially lower future costs at a time of major cost pressures in the NHS.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research, Care Oxford at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Department of Health.

Parental suicide attempt and offspring educational attainment during adolescence in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the impact of parental suicide attempt (SA) on offspring outcomes other than mental health. We investigated the association of parental SA with offspring educational attainment in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

METHOD

Parental SA was prospectively recorded from pregnancy until the study children were 11 years old. National school test results (ages 11-16 years) were obtained by record linkage. Multilevel regression models quantified the association between parental SA and offspring outcomes.

RESULTS

Data were available for 6667 mother-child and 3054 father-child pairs. Adolescents whose mothers had attempted suicide were less likely than their peers to achieve the expected educational level by age 14 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-0.95] in models controlling for relevant confounders, including parental education and depression. At age 16 years, adolescents whose mothers had attempted suicide were less likely to obtain the expected educational level (five or more qualifications at grade A*-C) (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.43-1.00) in models controlling for relevant confounders and parental education; however, after additionally controlling for maternal depression the results were consistent with chance (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.48-1.13). Findings in relation to paternal SA were consistent with those of maternal SA but power was limited due to lower response rate amongst fathers.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal SA was associated with diminished educational performance at age 14 years. Educational attainment during adolescence can have substantial effect on future opportunities and well-being and these offspring may benefit from interventions.

Epidemiology and trends in non-fatal self-harm in three centres in England, 2000-2012: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

OBJECTIVES

Self-harm is a major health problem in many countries, with potential adverse outcomes including suicide and other causes of premature death. It is important to monitor national trends in this behaviour. We examined trends in non-fatal self-harm and its management in England during the 13-year period, 2000-2012.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This observational study was undertaken in the three centres of the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. Information on all episodes of self-harm by individuals aged 15 years and over presenting to five general hospitals in three cities (Oxford, Manchester and Derby) was collected through face-to-face assessment or scrutiny of emergency department electronic databases. We used negative binomial regression models to assess trends in rates of self-harm and logistic regression models for binary outcomes (eg, assessed vs non-assessed patients).

PARTICIPANTS

During 2000-2012, there were 84,378 self-harm episodes (58.6% by females), involving 47,048 persons.

RESULTS

Rates of self-harm declined in females (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.98; 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99, p<0.0001). In males, rates of self-harm declined until 2008 (IRR 0.96; 95% CI 0.95 to 0.98, p<0.0001) and then increased (IRR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09, p=0.002). Rates of self-harm were strongly correlated with suicide rates in England in males (r=0.82, p=0.0006) and females (r=0.74, p=0.004). Over 75% of self-harm episodes were due to self-poisoning, mainly with analgesics (45.7%), antidepressants (24.7%) and benzodiazepines (13.8%). A substantial increase in self-injury occurred in the latter part of the study period. This was especially marked for self-cutting/stabbing and hanging/asphyxiation. Psychosocial assessment by specialist mental health staff occurred in 53.2% of episodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Trends in rates of self-harm and suicide may be closely related; therefore, self-harm can be a useful mental health indicator. Despite national guidance, many patients still do not receive psychosocial assessment, especially those who self-injure.

Rates of self-harm presenting to general hospitals: a comparison of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England and Hospital Episode Statistics

OBJECTIVE

Rates of hospital presentation for self-harm in England were compared using different national and local data sources.

DESIGN

The study was descriptive and compared bespoke data collection methods for recording self-harm presentations to hospital with routinely collected hospital data.

SETTING

Local area data on self-harm from the 3 centres of the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (Oxford, Manchester and Derby) were used along with national and local routinely collected data on self-harm admissions and emergency department attendances from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Rate ratios were calculated to compare rates of self-harm generated using different data sources nationally and locally (between 2010 and 2012) and rates of hospital presentations for self-harm were plotted over time (between 2003 and 2012), based on different data sources.

RESULTS

The total number of self-harm episodes between 2010 and 2012 was 13,547 based on Multicentre Study data, 9600 based on HES emergency department data and 8096 based on HES admission data. Nationally, routine HES data underestimated overall rates of self-harm by approximately 60% compared with rates based on Multicentre Study data (rate ratio for HES emergency department data, 0.41 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.49); rate ratio for HES admission data, 0.42 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.49)). Direct local area comparisons confirmed an overall underascertainment in the HES data, although the difference varied between centres. There was a general increase in self-harm over time according to HES data which contrasted with a fall and then a rise in the Multicentre Study data.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a consistent underestimation of presentations for self-harm recorded by HES emergency department data, and fluctuations in year-on-year figures. HES admission data appeared more reliable but missed non-admitted episodes. Routinely collected data may miss important trends in self-harm and cannot be used in isolation as the basis for a robust national indicator of self-harm.

Hospital management of suicidal behaviour and subsequent mortality: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Self-poisoning and self-injury are associated with a high risk of suicide or death from any cause but the effect of routine aspects of hospital management on mortality risk is unknown.

METHODS

We did a prospective cohort study using data for adults who had self-harmed presenting to five emergency departments in the UK between 2000 and 2010. We assessed the relation between four aspects of management (psychosocial assessment, medical admission, psychiatric admission, referral for mental health follow-up) and death by suicide or any cause within 12 months of presentation.

FINDINGS

Of 38 415 individuals presenting with self-harm, 261 (0·7%) died by suicide and 832 (2·2%) died from any cause within 12 months. Most aspects of management were associated with a higher mortality risk in unadjusted analyses. Psychiatric admission was associated with the highest risks for both suicide (hazard ratio 2·35, 95% CI 1·59-3·45) and all-cause mortality (2·35, 2·04-2·72). After adjustment for baseline variables, the hazard ratios were generally smaller, particularly for psychiatric admission. There were significant interactions by sex, age, and history of self-harm.

INTERPRETATION

This was an observational study and so we cannot infer causation. However, our finding that clinical services seem to reserve the most intensive levels of treatment for patients at highest risk is reassuring. Aspects of routine management might be associated with a lower mortality risk but these effects vary by clinical subgroup.

FUNDING

UK Department of Health.

Sense of coherence and 22-year all-cause mortality in adult men

BACKGROUND

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a central construct in Antonovsky's salutogenic theory, which focuses on people's health-promoting and health-protecting characteristics. We examined prospectively the association of SOC with all-cause mortality during 22 years (1989-2011).

METHODS

The data of 585 men from the Israel longitudinal study of Glucose Intolerance, Obesity, and Hypertension (The Israel GOH) comprised the analytic sample. Participants were 48-67 years old at study entry (1989). Information on sociodemographic, medical history and health-related risk factors were obtained at baseline through a face-to-face interview. Participants completed Antonovsky's 29-item SOC scale. Information on all-cause mortality was obtained from the Israeli Mortality Register (1989 through 2011). We evaluated the effect of SOC on time-to-death using multiple Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

Controlling for sociodemographic, smoking status and morbidities, there was strong evidence of an association between SOC and 22-year all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=0.992, 95% CI 0.986-0.998 per unit]. Strong SOC was associated with a 35% reduction in all-cause mortality relative to weak SOC (aHR=0.653, 95% CI 0.454-0.939). There was no convincing evidence of a survival advantage for individuals with intermediate level of SOC relative to persons reporting weak SOC (aHR=0.821, 95% CI 0.595-1.134).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides strong evidence of an association between SOC and mortality, above and beyond potential confounding factors and established risk factors. Considerable more research is needed on the role of SOC in health and survival and the potential pathways linking SOC and health.

A controlled intervention to increase participation in cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are greatly underutilized.

DESIGN

This study was a multicenter interventional controlled cohort study.

METHODS

From cardiothoracic departments of five medical centers, 520 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients (386 men) were enrolled in the control arm and 504 CABG patients (394 men) in the intervention arm of our study. A 1-hour seminar to medical staff on the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation followed the control phase and preceded the intervention phase. Patients in the intervention arm received written and oral explanations on cardiac rehabilitation benefits and eligibility, and a follow-up telephone call 2 weeks after hospital discharge. Patients in both study arms were interviewed in the hospital prior to CABG surgery and in their homes a year later.

RESULTS

Rates of participation in cardiac rehabilitation were 16.5% (86/520) for the control arm and 31.0% (156/504) for the intervention arm (p < 0.001). Factors strongly associated with participation in cardiac rehabilitation were: belonging to the intervention arm (OR: 2.06 95% CI: 1.46-2.90, p < 0.0001), male sex, average or above average income, sports related physical activity before surgery, younger age and BMI > 30 kg/m(2). Particularly high increases in participation rates following the implementation were observed among subpopulations of 10 years or less education and those reporting below average income. "Lack of knowledge" regarding cardiac rehabilitation was the reason most commonly stated for not participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

CONCLUSION

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation almost doubled following a low cost intervention with significant effects on subpopulations that have been underrepresented in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

[A multicenter intervention study on referral to cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a 1-year follow-up of rehabilitation rates among USSR-born and veteran Israeli patients]

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence on the benefits of participating in cardiac-rehabilitation (CR) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and the inclusion of CR in the basic "Health Basket", referral and uptake of CR in Israel remain low.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the CR participation rate and CR-related outcomes 1-year following CABG-surgery among patients born in the former Soviet Union and veteran-Israelis.

METHODOLOGY

An interventional trial was conducted in which 489 and 472 CABG patients from 5 cardiothoracic wards across Israel were interviewed in hospital before surgery, and at home a year later for the control arm and the intervention arm respectively. The intervention included dissemination of information on CR to medical staff and patients.

FINDINGS

USSR-born patients constituted 22.5% of the sample. They were one year older than veteran-Israelis (median-age: 68 and 67 years, respectively, p = 0.2), had a larger proportion of women (31.5% vs. 22.4% respectively, p = 0.006), and a larger proportion of widows (20.0% vs. 13.6%, respectively, p = 0.02). Following the intervention, the CR participation rate of veteran-Israeli males increased from 24.6% to 40.4% (p < 0.001), and that of USSR-born males increased from 3.7% to 13.4% (p = 0.037). No USSR-born female participated in CR, while participation rates of veteran-Israeli females increased from 14.6% to 26.9%, p = 0.056. CR participants reported better health-related quality of life and higher levels of cardio-respiratory fitness (p < 0.001) at follow-up, compared to patients who did not participate in CR.

CONCLUSION

The intervention was effective in increasing the participation in CR programs among all but USSR-born females. Further research is needed to assess the needs of this subgroup and develop effective interventions.

The association of parental fatal and non-fatal suicidal behaviour with offspring suicidal behaviour and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Children whose parents die by, or attempt, suicide are believed to be at greater risk of suicidal behaviours and affective disorders. We systematically reviewed the literature on these associations and, using meta-analysis, estimated the strength of associations as well as investigated potential effect modifiers (parental and offspring gender, offspring age).

METHOD

We comprehensively searched the literature (Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science), finding 28 articles that met our inclusion criteria, 14 of which contributed to the meta-analysis. Crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were pooled using fixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Controlling for relevant confounders, offspring whose parents died by suicide were more likely than offspring of two living parents to die by suicide [aOR 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-2.45] but there were heterogeneous findings in the two studies investigating the impact on offspring suicide attempt (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 0.73-2.35). Children whose parents attempted suicide were at increased risk of attempted suicide (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.48-2.57). Limited evidence indicated that exposure to parental death by suicide is associated with subsequent risk of affective disorders. Maternal suicidal behaviour and younger age at exposure were associated with larger effect estimates but there was no evidence that the association differed in sons versus daughters.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental suicidal behaviour is associated with increased risk of offspring suicidal behaviour. Findings suggest that maternal suicidal behaviour is a more potent risk factor than paternal, and that children are more vulnerable than adolescents and adults. However, there is no evidence of a stronger association in either male or female offspring.

The effect of an educational intervention on coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients' participation rate in cardiac rehabilitation programs: a controlled health care trial

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation has a beneficial effect on the prognosis and quality of life of cardiac patients, and has been found to be cost-effective. This report describes a comprehensive and low cost educational intervention designed to increase the attendance at cardiac rehabilitation programs of patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

METHODS/DESIGN

A controlled prospective intervention trial. The control arm comprised 520 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery between January 2004 and May 2005 in five medical centers across Israel. This group received no additional treatment beyond usual care. The intervention arm comprised 504 patients recruited from the same cardiothoracic departments between June 2005 and November 2006. This group received oral and written explanations about the advantages of participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs and a telephone call two weeks after hospital discharge intended to further encourage their enrollment. The medical staff attended a one-hour seminar on cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, it was recommended that referral to cardiac rehabilitation be added to the letter of discharge from the hospital. Both study groups were interviewed before surgery and one-year post surgery. A one-year post-operative interview assessed factors affecting patient attendance at cardiac rehabilitation programs, as well as the structure and content of the cardiac rehabilitation programs attended. Anthropometric parameters were measured at pre- and post-operative interviews;- and medical information was obtained from patient medical records. The effect of cardiac rehabilitation on one- and three-year mortality was assessed.

DISCUSSION

We report a low cost yet comprehensive intervention designed to increase cardiac rehabilitation participation by raising both patient and medical staff awareness to the potential benefits of cardiac rehabilitation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00356863.

[Health-related quality of life of Israeli heart patients according to the MacNew heart disease specific instrument]

BACKGROUND

Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) using generic measures may not be optimally responsive to treatment interventions. The disease-specific instrument, MacNew heart disease HRQL questionnaire (MacNew), is designed specifically to evaluate HRQL among heart patients.

AIMS

To validate the Hebrew version of MacNew, and to report HRQL of Israeli chronic cardiac patients.

METHODS

The generic SF-36 and the MacNew HRQL questionnaires were administered to 221 Hebrew speaking heart patients treated in the outpatient clinic of the Sheba Medical Center.

RESULTS

According to the SF-36, HRQL is relatively low in the cardiac patients compared to Israeli norms, and comparable to norms of American heart patients according to the MacNew. Heart-failure patients have the lowest HRQL scores in all three dimensions (physical, mental, social) and the total score identified for the MacNew. Confirmatory factor analysis verified good model fit for physical/emotional domain items, supporting structural validity. Spearman coefficients correlating MacNew with parallel SF-36 domains were moderate-high (r=0.63-0.89, p<0.01), supported convergent validity. Cronbach's alpha was > 0.9 (total MacNew score, dimensions), supporting internal reliability, as was the test-retest reliability, examined 1.5 months later among 11 patients. The different scales discriminated between heart failure, angina pectoris, and other heart patients, supporting criterion validity. A multilinear regression model showed significant correlation between heart failure, past myocardial infarction (MI), years of schooling, duration of heart disease and HRQL.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with heart disease, the MacNew is highly acceptable and maintains good psychometric properties, comparing favorably with SF-36.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings suggest MacNew's utility for measuring disease-specific HRQL in Israeli heart patients.

Physical inactivity among adults with diabetes mellitus and depressive symptoms: results from two independent national health surveys

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between depressive symptoms and physical inactivity in community samples of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Two representative samples of Israeli adults (age ≥21 years) were analyzed: The First Israeli National Health Interview Survey (INHIS-1) (n=9509) and the Israel National Health Survey (INHS) (n=4859). Information was obtained about past-month depressive symptoms, physician-diagnosed DM and physical activity. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between level of depressive symptoms and physical inactivity among individuals with DM, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Prevalence of DM ranged from 7.2% (INHIS-1) to 8.7% (INHS). In both samples, physical inactivity was significantly more prevalent among persons with significant depressive symptoms, compared to those without depressive symptoms [INHIS-1: 67.0% vs. 50.6%; adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.05-2.35, P=.03; INHS: 71.4% vs. 43.9%; AOR: 2.67; 95% CI, 1.67-4.27, P<.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of physical inactivity in persons with DM. Body mass index of patients reporting no regular physical activity was elevated compared to persons who were physically active. This finding supports the view that identification and management of depression should be part of interventions designed to improve self care behaviors in patients with DM.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma homocysteine levels in adult males and females

BACKGROUND

High levels of plasma homocysteine constitute a risk for cardiovascular disease. Physical activity, known to reduce CVD risk, has been related to levels of Hcy. Recently, higher Hcy was shown to be associated with lower cardiovascular fitness in women but not in men.

OBJECTIVES

To further explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma total homocysteine levels in a large cohort of adult males and females.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 2576 fitness and Hcy examinations in adults (62% males) aged 30-59 years randomly drawn from a population undergoing a periodic health examination in the Sheba Medical Center's Executive Screening Survey. Blood tests were collected for tHcy and a sub-maximal exercise test was performed to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. Information on CVD/CVD risk factors (coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia) was self-reported.

RESULTS

Mean tHcy plasma levels were 14.4 +/- 7.7 and 10.2 +/- 3.0 micromol/ml, and mean maximal oxygen uptake 36.5 +/- 11.7 and 292 +/- 9.5 ml/kg/min for males and females, respectively. A multiple regression analysis, adjusting for age, body mass index and CVD/CVD risk factors, showed no association between cardiorespiratory fitness and level of tHcy in males (P = 0.09) or in females (P = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample no association was found between level of cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma tHcy in men or women. The inconsistency of findings and the small number of studies warrant further research of the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and tHcy, an association that may have clinical implications for the modifications of cardiovascular risk factors.

Undetected type 2 diabetes in older adults

BACKGROUND

early detection and prompt treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) may reduce the complications and burden associated with the disease.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the rate of undetected T2D (UT2D) among older adults who were screened 25 years ago, identify the characteristics of UT2D patients and suggest a high-risk profile most suitable for screening.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study of a group of 623 older adult survivors of 25-year cohort, 53.5% males, aged 58- 93 years in a personal interview on lifestyle habits, morbidity and medication use. Self-administered measurement of subjective health perception. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory examinations of 12-h fasting venous blood and 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests were carried out.

RESULTS

the prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was 18.9% and of UT2D 13.2%. The likelihood of having UT2D was higher for males, those with systolic blood pressure >or=130 mmHg, triglycerides >or=1.7 mmol/l (150 mg/dl) and large waist circumference; all are components of the metabolic syndrome. Compared to known diabetic patients, the undetected were predominantly males, slightly younger, rated their health status more favourably and had less comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

a large proportion of older adults with T2D were undiagnosed. Screening efforts for T2D should address those exhibiting characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in a seemingly healthy population of older adults.

Depression in primary care in Israel

Depression is a leading cause of morbidity, disability and health care utilization. It is commonly encountered in primary care settings yet is often missed or suboptimally managed. We summarize studies conducted in Israel on the prevalence of depression in primary care settings, its correlates, and predictors of treatment and outcome, and discuss their implications for clinical practice and public health policy. An electronic search was conducted using the MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases. The inclusion criteria were original studies that assessed aspects of depression in a population aged 18 or older, were conducted in primary care settings in Israel, and had sufficient detailed description of depression-related measures, study sample and outcome measures. Twelve articles reporting results from seven studies met these criteria. The prevalence of current depression in primary care varied considerably across studies: 1.6-5.9% for major depression, 1.1-5.4% for minor depression, 14.3-24% for depressive symptoms. Depression was consistently related to female gender and fewer years of education, and was associated with disability, decreased quality of life, and increased health-related expenditure. Many cases of depression were undiagnosed and most patients had persistent depression or achieved only partial remission. Depression represents a serious challenge for the primary health care system in Israel. Greater efforts should be focused on screening and treating depression in primary care. However, the studies reviewed here used different methodologies and assessed different aspects of depression and, therefore, should be generalized cautiously. Systematic research on the prevalence, correlates and management of depression in primary care, with emphasis on collaborative care models, is strongly needed to inform research, clinicians and health care policy makers.