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Factors Associated with Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Presenting to Urban Primary Care: An Analysis of De-Identified Clinical Data

Author

Listed:
  • Neha A. Pandeya

    (General Practice Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia)

  • Philip J. Schluter

    (General Practice Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
    School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury—Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand)

  • Geoffrey K. Spurling

    (General Practice Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
    Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, Metro South Health, P.O. Box 52, Inala, QLD 4077, Australia)

  • Claudette Tyson

    (Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, Metro South Health, P.O. Box 52, Inala, QLD 4077, Australia)

  • Noel E. Hayman

    (General Practice Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
    Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, Metro South Health, P.O. Box 52, Inala, QLD 4077, Australia)

  • Deborah A. Askew

    (General Practice Clinical Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia)

Abstract

Suicide amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a major cause of premature mortality and a significant contributor to the health and life expectancy gap. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of thoughts of self-harm or suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending an urban primary health care service and identify factors associated with these thoughts. Multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression models were employed to analyse three years of data gathered during the annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments. At their first health assessment, 11.5% (191/1664) of people reported thoughts of suicide or self-harm in the prior two weeks. Having children, participating in sport or community activities or being employed full-time decreased the risk of such thoughts. Conversely, factors relating to social exclusion including homelessness, drug use, unemployment and job insecurity increased the risk of thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Individual clinicians, health services, and policy-makers all have a role in suicide prevention. Clinicians need appropriate training to be able to respond to people expressing these thoughts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations need sovereignty and self-determination over resources to provide programs that promote cultural connectivity and address social exclusion, thereby saving lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Neha A. Pandeya & Philip J. Schluter & Geoffrey K. Spurling & Claudette Tyson & Noel E. Hayman & Deborah A. Askew, 2021. "Factors Associated with Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Presenting to Urban Primary Care: An Analysis of De-Identified Clinical Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2021:i:1:p:153-:d:709902
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joanne M. Dickson & Kate Cruise & Clare A. McCall & Peter J. Taylor, 2019. "A Systematic Review of the Antecedents and Prevalence of Suicide, Self-Harm and Suicide Ideation in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-26, August.
    2. Yu-Tang Shen & Kylie Radford & Gail Daylight & Robert Cumming & Tony G. A. Broe & Brian Draper, 2018. "Depression, Suicidal Behaviour, and Mental Disorders in Older Aboriginal Australians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-14, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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