Brief Communication: Differences Between Ethnic Groups in Demographic and Clinical Features of Patients Admitted and Assessed After Deliberate Self-Harm: A Retrospective Case-Note Study

Background to the study : When compared to the United Kingdom general population, rates of deliberate self-harm (DSH) are increased among certain ethnic groups, particularly in those from the Indian diaspora. Aim : To investigate differences between ethnic groups in the demographic and clinical features of patients admitted after episodes of DSH and subsequently assessed by a nurse-led DSH liaison team. Method : A retrospective case-note study ( N = 297) with completion of a standardized data collection instrument. The ethnic origin of each patient was assessed by a variety of means. Results : Asian patients ( n = 38) were more likely to be female ( p = 0.043), married ( p = 0.027), and cite problems with their partner ( p = 0.017) as a precipitant to DSH. The indigenous group ( n = 234) were more likely to have previous contact with psychiatric services ( p = 0.023), to have used alcohol preceding DSH ( p = 0.014), and to have a criminal record ( p = 0.007). Conclusions : In this population, the demographic and clinical features of patients assessed after DSH vary significantly with ethnic group. A case-control study is warranted to examine these differences in more detail.