Researchers led by Leah Richmond-Rakerd analysed population-wide administrative data from nearly 5 million people in Norway and New Zealand. Mental health conditions were identified in primary care and inpatient hospital records, and injuries were found in primary care, hospital records and insurance claims. Participants were followed for 14 to 30 years.
The study found higher risks of later self-harm injuries and injuries from assault, and a clear increase in unintentional injuries such as falls and traffic accidents. Links were seen across many mental health conditions and many injury types, with especially strong associations for brain and head injuries. These risks could not be explained by previous injuries or socioeconomic background.
The authors call for better integration of injury prevention into mental health care, continued assessment of self-harm risk and use of evidence-based strategies to reduce victimisation.
Difficult words
- analyse — examine data or information carefully to understand itanalysed
- administrative data — official records collected by organizations or government
- inpatient — a patient who stays in hospital for treatment
- insurance claim — a request for payment from an insurance companyinsurance claims
- self-harm — intentional injury a person does to themselves
- unintentional — not planned; happening without intent or purpose
- socioeconomic — relating to social and economic factors or status
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could mental health services include injury prevention in their work? Give one or two specific ideas.
- Why is it important for clinicians to continue assessing a person’s self-harm risk?
- Can you think of any evidence-based strategies that might reduce victimisation in your community? Describe one.
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