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Population-based study of medically treated self-inflicted injuries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Ian Colman ,
Niko Yiannakoulias ,
Don Schopflocher ,
Lawrence W. Svenson ,
Rhonda J. Rosychuk ,
Brian H. Rowe  and
ED Atlas Group
Ian Colman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Niko Yiannakoulias
Affiliation:
Alberta Health and Wellness, Edmonton, Alta
Don Schopflocher
Affiliation:
Alberta Health and Wellness, Edmonton, Alta
Lawrence W. Svenson
Affiliation:
Alberta Health and Wellness, Edmonton, Alta
Rhonda J. Rosychuk
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta
Brian H. Rowe*
Affiliation:
Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta
ED Atlas Group
Affiliation:
See screened box at end of the article for list of the other members of the ED Atlas Group.
*
Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, 1G1.43 Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 — 112 St., Edmonton AB T6G 2B7; 780 407-6761, fax 780 407-3982, Brian.Rowe@ualberta.ca

Abstract

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Objective:

Self-inflicted injury is commonly seen in emergency departments (EDs). It may be a precursor to death by suicide. The objective of this study was to examine the epidemiology of self-inflicted injury presentations to EDs in the province of Alberta.

Methods:

Self-inflicted injury records for the 3 fiscal years 1998/99 to 2000/01 were accessed from the Ambulatory Care Classification System, a database that captures all ED encounters in the province of Alberta. Available data for each case included demographic details, location and time of visit, diagnoses and procedures.

Results:

There were 22 396 self-inflicted injury presentations to Alberta EDs during the study period. Self-inflicted injury rates were higher in females, younger patients, those on social services and those with Aboriginal treaty status. There were higher rates of return visits in the year following the self-inflicted injury than in other patient groups. Data showed regional variation. Trends could be seen in the timing of self-inflicted injury presentations by hour of day, day of week, and month of year.

Conclusions:

Self-inflicted injury is common, with particularly high rates demonstrated among marginalized populations. This study provides comprehensive data on those who present with self-inflicted injuries, and can be used to guide further treatment, research and evaluation for this population.

Keywords

self-injurious behaviourattempted suicideprevalenceepidemiology
Type
EM Advances • Innovations en MU
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 5 , September 2004 , pp. 313 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2004

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