title: Young Pacifican suicide attempts: a review of emergency department medical records, Auckland, New Zealand.
abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the population of Pacific young people in the Auckland region who were treated at Emergency Departments as a result of a suicide attempt. Data collection involved a review of Auckland regional public hospital Emergency Department (ED) medical records of Pacific young people (16-25 years) who made suicide attempts from 01 January 1999-31 December 1999. A total of 56 records were reviewed. Results indicated that: 71% were young Pacific females and 29% were young Pacific males; just over half identified as Samoan; 19 year olds presented more than any other age group between the ages of 16-25 years; 43% were employed; the highest month recorded for presentations was June; there was a low incidence of attempts between midnight and 6 am; the most common method used was poisonings by solid or liquid solids; the majority of attempts were at home; 62% were not under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; and 85% were given a post-discharge treatment plan. This study is an attempt to provide information to enhance health outcomes and inform future mental health service delivery for Pacific young people in New Zealand.
authors.affiliation: Injury Prevention Research Centre, Auckland University, New Zealand. j.tiatia@auckland.ac.nz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tiatia
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coggan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010139:Pacific Islands / Q000208:ethnology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014600:Utilization Review