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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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Open Access 01-04-2014 | Original Paper

Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile

Authors: Melissa Spears, Alan A. Montgomery, David Gunnell, Ricardo Araya

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Studies carried out in the West indicate that the incidence of self-harm (SH) is particularly high amongst adolescents, but few studies have investigated its incidence and aetiology in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with new onset episodes of SH, amongst Chilean adolescents from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Methods

Prospective cohort study nested within a cluster randomised controlled trial. A 6-month follow-up for 2,042 adolescents, median age 14 years, from socio-economically deprived areas of Santiago, Chile.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of SH was 23 %. The incidence rate of SH at 6 months was 14 % amongst those reporting no SH at baseline. In multivariable analyses, risk factors for incident SH include depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, poor problem-solving skills and cannabis misuse.

Conclusions

The prevalence and incidence of SH in this socio-economically deprived sample differed highly according to gender. Poor problem-solving skills, suicidal thoughts, and cannabis misuse were associated with onset of SH.

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Title: Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Melissa Spears
Alan A. Montgomery
David Gunnell
Ricardo Araya
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-013-0767-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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