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Self-harm among the homeless population in Ireland: a national registry-based study of incidence and associated factors
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Date
2017-12-27
Authors
Barrett, Peter
Griffin, Eve
Corcoran, Paul
O'Mahony, Mary T.
Arensman, Ella
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Published Version
Abstract
Background: Self-harm is a strong predictor of future suicide, but little is known about self-harm among the homeless population. The study aim was to estimate the incidence of self-harm among the homeless population and to assess factors associated with self-harm. Methods: Data on self-harm presentations to 34 hospital emergency departments in Ireland were collected by the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland (NSHRI). Index presentations between 2010 and 2014 were included for the homeless and fixed residence populations. Incidence rates of self-harm were calculated using NSHRI data and census estimates. Factors associated with self-harm and repeated self-harm were analysed by multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Results: The age-standardised incidence rate of self-harm was 30 times higher among the homeless (5,572 presentations per 100,000) compared with those with a fixed residence (187 presentations per 100,000). Homeless people had significantly higher odds of being male (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.56–2.23), presenting with self-cutting (vs. overdose, OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.74–2.66) and having psychiatric admission (vs. general admission, OR 2.43, 95%CI 1.66–3.57). Homeless people had higher odds of self-harm repetition within 12 months (vs. fixed residence, OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.21–1.77). The odds of repetition were significantly increased among homeless who engaged in self-cutting (vs. overdose, OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.17–2.65) and did not receive psychiatric review at index presentation (vs. reviewed, OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.05–2.26). Limitations: The study only reflects self-harm presenting to hospital, and assumes no change in homelessness status after index presentation. Residual confounding may affect the results. Conclusion: There is a disproportionate burden of self-harm among the homeless. Targeted preventive actions are warranted.
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Keywords
Self-harm , Homeless , Overdose , Self-cutting , Incidence , Epidemiology
Citation
Barrett, P., Griffin, E., Corcoran, P., O’Mahony, M. T. and Arensman, E. 'Self-harm among the homeless population in Ireland: a national registry-based study of incidence and associated factors', Journal of Affective Disorders, 229, pp. 523-531. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.040