Contribution of Age Distribution to Death Rates of Intentional Self-harm: 1985-89 and 2010-14

Abstract

Objectives: To compare contribution of age distribution and age specific death rates to intentional self-harm (ISH) between 1985-89 and 2010-14. Methods: We used 1985-89 (16,977 deaths) and 2010 ISH death data of Korea Statistics. We decomposed the contributions of agespecific ISH death rates and age distribution of population (Kitagawa's decomposition method) to overall increment of ISH death rates during the period. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to describe the secular trend of ISH death rates by age groups. Results: Between 1985-89 and 2010-14, ISH death rates (per 100,000 persons) increased from 8.16 to 29.57 (OR: 3.62, 95% confidence interval: 3.56-3.86). ISH death rates increased from 11.74 to 40.45 in male (OR: 3.44) and increased from 4.53 to 18.66 in female (OR: 4.12). ISH death rates have risen with advancing age, peaking at 60 years & older in both gender. In 1985-2014, a prominent increase in ISH death rates occurred among those aged 60 years and older (3.82 times in male, and 4.28 times in female), and followed by the group of 40-59 years (2.81 times in male, and 3.54 times in female). Most (59.6 percent) of the overall increase in the ISH death rates was attributable to male age group of 40-59 years and 60 years & older, and 25.3 percent of the overall increase of death rates was attributable to female age group of 40 years & older. Conclusions: The remainder of the total increment in the ISH death rates during the period was explained by increase the proportion and the excessive death rates of male age group of 40-59 years and 60 years & older. There was a need to close attention in male age group of 40 years & older to reduce ISH death rates and understand the contributing factors to ISH death.

Characteristics of Inpatients Who Survive Suicide Attempts

“…“Intentional self-harm suicide attempt” is a term that includes purposeful, self-inflicted poisoning or injury, in addition to attempted suicide. A total of 3,095 cases from the population surveyed aged 20 years and above (codes X60-X84 and Y87.0) were selected by using the Korean Standard Classification of Disease and Cause of Death, KCD-7 [16,22–26].…”

“…Suicide-related characteristics included 1) suicide methods such as poisoning (X60-X69), hanging (X70), jumping (X80), and others (X72-X79, X80) [23–26], 2) place of suicide (residence areas, non-residence areas), 3) associated risk factors (conflicts with family, physical diseases, mental problems, financial problems, others and unknown), 4) alcohol related (no drink, drink), 5) year (2011 to 2015), and 6) season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) [13,28].…”