@article{ref1,
title="Pathways to Care and Help-Seeking Experience Prior to Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study in Taiwan",
journal="Journal of Nursing Research",
year="2012",
author="Wu, Chia-Yi and Whitley, Rob and Stewart, Robert and Liu, Shen-Ing",
volume="20",
number="1",
pages="32-42",
abstract="BACKGROUND:: Help-seeking behavior may protect people from harming themselves. However, few studies have discussed how and why people access lay or professional help prior to self-harm. PURPOSE:: This study explored the subjective experiences of individuals with deliberate self-harm in terms of help-seeking behavior and medical care pathways. METHODS:: Researchers performed qualitative in-depth interviews and content analysis and used a sampling grid to recruit participants. Twenty emergency attendees between the ages of 18-55 years were interviewed on their help-seeking pathways and experiences using a standardized topic guide. RESULTS:: Participants identified friends, family members, healthcare personnel, and their own initiative as the primary medical care pathways. Analysis showed help-seeking experiences significantly related to the physician-patient relationship, social support, and treatment adherence. These factors were also identified as prominent themes related to medical help-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS:: Supportive attitudes and continuous care from formal and informal sources of help may facilitate help-seeking behavior, whereas negative influences from close friends or relatives may trigger a self-harm episode. Medication stockpiling and the negative aspects of close relationships should be addressed and minimized to raise the effectiveness of self-harm or suicide prevention efforts.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1682-3141",
doi="10.1097/JNR.0b013e3182466e64",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JNR.0b013e3182466e64"
}