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


OBJECTIVE
To calculate age- and gender-specific rates of self-harm by ethnic group in three cities and compare characteristics and outcomes.


METHODS
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.
Cooper
Jayne
J
Centre for Suicide Prevention, University of Manchester, UK. jayne.cooper@manchester.ac.uk
Murphy
Elizabeth
E
Webb
Roger
R
Hawton
Keith
K
Bergen
Helen
H
Waters
Keith
K
Kapur
Navneet
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054525:Minority Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult