Presentations by youth to Auckland emergency departments following a suicide attempt.
The objective of this study was to describe the population of European youth (15-24 years) presenting to emergency departments (EDs) at one of the three Auckland public hospitals following attempted suicide; and to identify factors associated with presentations to EDs by these youth. A 1-year medical record review was undertaken. A total of 212 presentations (196 individuals) occurred during the surveillance; alcohol was present for 29%. Attempts involving alcohol were more likely to occur at weekends (P < 0.01); involve cutting and piercing (P < 0.05); be undertaken by employed people (P < 0.05), and be undertaken by those not residing with family (P < 0.01). Two groups of particular concern were identified: those who involved alcohol in their attempt; and those who represented during the study period following multiple suicide attempts. These findings have implications for immediate care within an ED setting, and long-term follow-up healthcare options for distressed young people.
Bennett
Sara
S
Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
Coggan
Carolyn
C
Hooper
Rhonda
R
Lovell
Cherie
C
Adams
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000208:ethnology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005060:Europe / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012008:Recurrence; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control