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Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in an American Indian Reservation Community: Results From the White Mountain Apache Surveillance System, 2007–2008
- Source :
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 50:860-869
- Publication Year :
- 2011
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 2011.
-
Abstract
- Objective To describe characteristics and correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among the White Mountain Apache Tribe. NSSI has not been studied before in American Indian samples despite associated risks for suicide, which disproportionately affect American Indian youth. Method Apache case managers collected data through a tribally mandated surveillance system. Data from 2007 and 2008 (N = 182) were examined for rates, methods, precipitants, functions, past history of self-injury and service use, by age and gender. Results The rate of NSSI among all ages was 600 in 100,000, with individuals 10 to 14 years old disproportionately affected at a rate of 3,000 in 100,000. More females (65%) reported NSSI, and cutting was the preferred method (98%) for both genders combined. Most frequently reported precipitants were peer pressure/copying, conflict with boy/girlfriend and "depression." A substantial proportion (22%) was intoxicated/high at the time. More reported the function of NSSI was to "effect internal state" (45%) than "effect circumstances" (15%). More than one-third (39%) received ED treatment and referrals for aftercare (36%). Of those referred, only 30% followed up with services. Most (79%) reported past NSSI; 30% reported past suicidal ideation and 25% attempts. Conclusions NSSI is a significant, largely unaddressed mental health problem among the White Mountain Apache Tribe and likely other reservation communities, especially as NSSI could serve as a precursor to suicide in this population. Interestingly, another self-destructive behavior, severe substance use, was reported to the surveillance system by Apaches and described in terms similar to NSSI, an important preliminary finding worth further exploration.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
medicine.medical_specialty
Adolescent
Population
Poison control
Suicide, Attempted
Suicide prevention
Young Adult
Risk Factors
Injury prevention
Prevalence
Developmental and Educational Psychology
medicine
Humans
Child
Psychiatry
education
Referral and Consultation
Suicidal ideation
Depression (differential diagnoses)
education.field_of_study
business.industry
Arizona
Health Services
medicine.disease
Mental health
Substance abuse
Psychiatry and Mental health
Population Surveillance
Indians, North American
Self Mutilation
Female
medicine.symptom
business
Self-Injurious Behavior
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 08908567
- Volume :
- 50
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....df738bf30da523c2ed141027af687d22