Young Pacifican suicide attempts: a review of emergency department medical records, Auckland, New Zealand.
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.
Tiatia
J
J
Injury Prevention Research Centre, Auckland University, New Zealand. j.tiatia@auckland.ac.nz
Coggan
C
C
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