Citation

Carroll R, Knipe D, Moran P, Gunnell D. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2017; 52(12): 1475-1481.

Affiliation

School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00127-017-1438-1

PMID

28980024

Abstract

PURPOSE: Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with increased rates of self-harm but its association with levels of clinical care has not previously been explored. The aim of the current study was to investigate socioeconomic differences in the clinical management of people who self-harm.

METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 3607 people presenting to a large inner-city hospital following self-harm.

RESULTS: People living in the least deprived quintile were more likely to receive a psychosocial assessment (most vs. least deprived: 63.51 vs. 70.14%). This effect persisted in our fully adjusted model (OR 1.45, CI 1.15-1.82, p = 0.002). Mediation analysis suggested this association was in large part explained by higher rates of self-discharge in people presenting from areas of higher deprivation.

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to those from more deprived areas, people from less deprived areas are more likely to receive a psychosocial assessment when presenting to hospital following self-harm. The occurrence of higher rates of self-discharge from emergency departments among those from more deprived areas may explain the association.

Language: en

Keywords

Clinical care; Deprivation; Epidemiology; Self-harm; Socioeconomic deprivation