[Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of self-injury/suicide cases at injury surveillance sentinel hospitals in Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2022].

Abstract

Objective: To understanding the epidemiological characteristics of self-injury/suicide among residents in Jiangsu Province, as well as grasping the current situation and patterns, will provide support and a basis for reducing the occurrence of self-injury/suicide harm. Methods: Data on self-injury/suicide cases from 2006 to 2022 were collected from 12 national injury surveillance sentinel hospitals in Jiangsu Province. The prevalence characteristics were analyzed using R 4.2.1 software, employing the chi-square test and Post Hoc testing for pairwise comparisons between groups, with adjusted standardized residuals to assess group differences. Results: From 2006 to 2022, there were 5 504 cases of self-injury/suicide monitored in Jiangsu Province, comprising 2 016 males and 3 488 females, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1∶1.73. The top three months for self-injury/suicide incidents were June (10.12%), May (9.85%), and July (9.25%). The peak times for these incidents were between 00:00-01:00 and 20:00-21:00. The majority of self-harm/suicide incidents occurred at home (73.64%). The primary methods of self-harm/suicide were poisoning and injuries caused by sharp objects, accounting for 47.11% and 35.32%, respectively. The frequently injured body parts were the upper limbs (34.97%) and generalized injuries throughout the body (25.56%). In terms of severity, mild cases predominated (49.78%). Further analysis reveals that, compared to male, self-harm/suicidal characteristics, female self-harm/suicidal behavior is more likely to occur at home, with poisoning as the predominant method, injuries affecting multiple body areas, and the severity of injuries being relatively mild (P<0.001). In the 15-29 age group, self-harm/suicidal injuries predominantly affect the upper limbs (P<0.001). Self-harm/suicidal behavior is more likely to occur at home, with poisoning being the primary method, injuries affecting multiple body areas, and the severity of injuries being more severe (all P<0.001) for individuals aged 60 and above. Conclusions: To prevent and control self-harm/suicidal behavior and reduce the suicide mortality rate, it is essential to strengthen support and care for key populations such as women, those aged 15 to 29, and individuals aged 60 and above. Monitoring and management should be enhanced in key locations where self-harm/suicide is more likely to occur, such as homes, public living spaces, schools, and public areas, to enable early detection. Controlling potential methods of suicide is crucial, such as continuing to strengthen regulations and restrictions on highly toxic pesticides and reducing the likelihood of fatal overdoses from medications.