title: Using Data Linkage to Investigate Inconsistent Reporting of Self-Harm and Questionnaire Non-Response.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine agreement between self-reported and medically recorded self-harm, and investigate whether the prevalence of self-harm differs in questionnaire responders vs. non-responders. A total of 4,810 participants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) completed a self-harm questionnaire at age 16 years. Data from consenting participants were linked to medical records (number available for analyses ranges from 205-3,027). The prevalence of self-harm leading to hospital admission was somewhat higher in questionnaire non-responders than responders (2.0 vs. 1.2%). Hospital attendance with self-harm was under-reported on the questionnaire. One third reported self-harm inconsistently over time; inconsistent reporters were less likely to have depression and fewer had self-harmed with suicidal intent. Self-harm prevalence estimates derived from self-report may be underestimated; more accurate figures may come from combining data from multiple sources.
authors.forename: Becky
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mars
authors.forename: Rosie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cornish
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heron
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boyd
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hawton
authors.forename: Glyn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tilling
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Macleod
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gunnell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: ALSPAC; agreement; consistency; data linkage; self-harm; suicide attempt