New research used health records from nearly 5 million people in Norway and New Zealand. The study looked at primary care, hospital records and injury insurance claims over many years.
People with mental health conditions had higher chances of self-harm and injuries from assault. The research also found more unintentional injuries, such as falls and traffic accidents, and stronger links for head and brain injuries. The authors say injury prevention should be part of mental health care.
Difficult words
- research — study to find new information
- record — written or electronic information about peoplehealth records, hospital records
- primary care — first medical help from a doctor
- injury — harm to the body from an accidentinjuries
- assault — a violent attack by another person
- prevention — actions to stop something bad happening
- mental health condition — a problem with feelings or thinkingmental health conditions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think injury prevention should be part of mental health care?
- Are falls or traffic accidents common where you live? Give one example.
- What help can primary care give to someone with a mental health condition?
Related articles
Low-cost cooling could help Bangladesh garment workers
A University of Sydney study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health on Monday (20 October), tested simple low-cost cooling in a chamber that mimicked extreme factory heat. Fans and water partly restored productivity; a reflective roof cut indoor temperature by 2.5°C.
Ancestral healing in the Caribbean
Ancestral healing asks societies to face historical wounds so people can live healthier lives. In the Caribbean, educators combine shamanic practices, nervous-system work and cultural rituals with scientific findings about trauma and community care.
Virtual diet and exercise program helps people with lymphoma
A study tested a virtual diet and exercise program for people getting chemotherapy for lymphoma. The program improved symptoms, attendance was high, and participants had better strength and physical performance during treatment.
Dopamine helps lock in new skills during sleep
A study from the University of Michigan finds that dopamine neurons become active during NREM sleep soon after a person learns a movement. Their activity, together with sleep spindles, strengthens motor memories and improves skills after sleep.