Qi Gao1, Henry Xiang2, Yu-Tao Xiang3, Huiping Zhu4. 1. Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. 2. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. 3. Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China. 4. Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. zhuhuiping@ccmu.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Study about deliberate self-harm (DSH) in children with different types of disabilities was scarce. This study compared the incidence and patterns of DSH between children with and without disabilities aged 6-17 years using a matched case-control study in Beijing. METHODS: A total of 650 pairs of children with and without disabilities were surveyed. Characteristics of latest episode of self-harm within the 12 months were compared. Associations between disability status, sociodemographic factors, smoking, drinking, sleep problems, and self-harm were examined. RESULTS: Children with disabilities showed significant higher incidence of DSH than children without disabilities. Two groups differed significantly in terms of self-harm methods, body parts injured, premeditation, wishing to be known by others and help-seeking behavior. The adjusted OR for self-harm was 4.76 (2.99-7.55) for children with disabilities compared with children without disabilities. Children who slept fewer than 6 h per night, had difficulty falling asleep at night sometimes/often, and went to sleep after midnight 1 to 3 nights per month or at least once a week were at elevated risk of self-harm. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a strong relationship between disability, sleep problems, and DSH. Interventions to reduce self-harm should target disability and sleep problems as important risk factors.
BACKGROUND: Study about deliberate self-harm (DSH) in children with different types of disabilities was scarce. This study compared the incidence and patterns of DSH between children with and without disabilities aged 6-17 years using a matched case-control study in Beijing. METHODS: A total of 650 pairs of children with and without disabilities were surveyed. Characteristics of latest episode of self-harm within the 12 months were compared. Associations between disability status, sociodemographic factors, smoking, drinking, sleep problems, and self-harm were examined. RESULTS: Children with disabilities showed significant higher incidence of DSH than children without disabilities. Two groups differed significantly in terms of self-harm methods, body parts injured, premeditation, wishing to be known by others and help-seeking behavior. The adjusted OR for self-harm was 4.76 (2.99-7.55) for children with disabilities compared with children without disabilities. Children who slept fewer than 6 h per night, had difficulty falling asleep at night sometimes/often, and went to sleep after midnight 1 to 3 nights per month or at least once a week were at elevated risk of self-harm. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a strong relationship between disability, sleep problems, and DSH. Interventions to reduce self-harm should target disability and sleep problems as important risk factors.