Abstract
Background
Increases in poor mental health and suicide have been identified among university students in the UK. However, little is known about self-harm in this group.
Aims
To describe and identify care needs of university aged-students who self-harm via comparisons with an age-equivalent non-student group who self-harm.
Methods
Observational cohort data from The Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England were used to investigate students aged 18 to 24 years who presented to emergency departments for self-harm, 2003 to 2016. Data were collected via clinician reports and medical records from five hospitals in three English regions. Characteristics, rates, repetition, and mortality outcomes were investigated.
Results
The student sample included 3491 individuals (983, 28.2 % men; 2507, 71.8 % women; 1 unknown) compared to 7807 (3342, 42.8 % men; 4465, 57.2 % women) non-students. Self-harm increased over time in students (IRR 1.08, 95%CI 1.06–1.10, p
Conclusions
Self-harm in students may be directly related the student experience, such as academic pressure, relocation, and the transition to independent living. Wellbeing initiatives targeting these factors, alongside mental health awareness training for academic and non-academic staff may help to support students at risk.
Increases in poor mental health and suicide have been identified among university students in the UK. However, little is known about self-harm in this group.
Aims
To describe and identify care needs of university aged-students who self-harm via comparisons with an age-equivalent non-student group who self-harm.
Methods
Observational cohort data from The Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England were used to investigate students aged 18 to 24 years who presented to emergency departments for self-harm, 2003 to 2016. Data were collected via clinician reports and medical records from five hospitals in three English regions. Characteristics, rates, repetition, and mortality outcomes were investigated.
Results
The student sample included 3491 individuals (983, 28.2 % men; 2507, 71.8 % women; 1 unknown) compared to 7807 (3342, 42.8 % men; 4465, 57.2 % women) non-students. Self-harm increased over time in students (IRR 1.08, 95%CI 1.06–1.10, p
Conclusions
Self-harm in students may be directly related the student experience, such as academic pressure, relocation, and the transition to independent living. Wellbeing initiatives targeting these factors, alongside mental health awareness training for academic and non-academic staff may help to support students at risk.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Affective Disorders |
| Early online date | 5 May 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 5 May 2023 |
