Citation

Bennett S, Coggan C, Hooper R, Lovell C, Adams P. Int. J. Ment. Health Nurs. 2002; 11(3): 144-153.

Affiliation

Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc., Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12510591

Abstract

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.

Language: en