Ethnic differences in self-harm, rates, characteristics and service provision: three-city cohort study.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: Studies of self-harm in Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups have been restricted to single geographical areas, with few studies of Black people. AIMS: To calculate age- and gender-specific rates of self-harm by ethnic group in three cities and compare characteristics and outcomes. METHOD: A population-based self-harm cohort presenting to five emergency departments in three English cities during 2001 to 2006. RESULTS: A total of 20 574 individuals (16-64 years) presented with self-harm; ethnicity data were available for 75%. Rates of self-harm were highest in young Black females (16-34 years) in all three cities. Risk of self-harm in young South Asian people varied between cities. Black and minority ethnic groups were less likely to receive a psychiatric assessment and to re-present with self-harm. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased risk of self-harm in young Black females fewer receive psychiatric care. Our findings have implications for assessment and appropriate management for some BME groups following self-harm.

Authors: Cooper, J; Murphy, E; Webb, R; Hawton, K; Bergen, H

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
• Volume: 197
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 212-218
• Publication date: 2010-09-01
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.109.072637
• EISSN: 1472-1465
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• Language: English
• Keywords: Adolescent; Healthcare Disparities; Minority Health; Humans; Referral and Consultation; Attitude to Health; Adult; Middle Aged; Sex Distribution; Female; Socioeconomic Factors; Suicide; Male; African Continental Ancestry Group; Prospective Studies; England; Age Distribution; Young Adult; Self-Injurious Behavior; European Continental Ancestry Group; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Minority Groups