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The impact of trauma, substance abuse, and psychiatric illness on suicidal and self-harm behaviours in a cohort of migrant detainees: An observational, prospective study

Author

Listed:
  • Mattia Marchi
  • Cecilia Artoni
  • Fedora Longo
  • Federica Maria Magarini
  • Giovanni Aprile
  • Corinna Reggianini
  • Debora Florio
  • Giovanna Laura De Fazio
  • Gian Maria Galeazzi
  • Silvia Ferrari

Abstract

Background: According to the WHO, detainees attempt suicide ten times more than the general population. Aims: To investigate the impact of migration trauma on Suicidal and Self-Harm Behaviours (SSHB) of migrants in jail and to explore how substance use and other psychiatric features affect this relationship. Methods: Prospective cohort study, conducted at the ‘Sant’Anna’ jail in Modena (Italy) between February 2017 and September 2019. Socio-demographic, psychiatric features and records of previous SSHB were collected. Experience of migration-related trauma was assessed with the LiMEs (List of Migration Experiences) checklist. Participants were followed-up for the occurrence of further SSHB. Survival analysis was performed and Cox’s Hazard Ratios (HR) were used as a measure of association of comparisons. Results: Amongst the 112 subjects (96% male, median age 33), the prevalence of any mental disorder was 26% and of substance abuse 59%. History of SSHB was present in 36% of the sample. Median follow-up time was 80 days. During follow-up, 11 events were observed (of which three were suicide attempts). Cumulative survival probability was 85%. Having experienced trauma related to war and violence was significantly associated with SSHB, HR: 7.05. No SSHB were recorded amongst subjects without substance abuse. Conclusions: Migrants in custody who experienced trauma in the post-migration period, attempt SSHB seven times more frequently than those without traumas at any time. War trauma and post-migration trauma due to exposure to violence seem to be more strongly associated with SSHB, also controlling for psychiatric diagnosis, ongoing psychopharmacological therapy and substance abuse. Further research and possible intervention programs should focus on addressing post-migration living-difficulties.

Suggested Citation

  • Mattia Marchi & Cecilia Artoni & Fedora Longo & Federica Maria Magarini & Giovanni Aprile & Corinna Reggianini & Debora Florio & Giovanna Laura De Fazio & Gian Maria Galeazzi & Silvia Ferrari, 2022. "The impact of trauma, substance abuse, and psychiatric illness on suicidal and self-harm behaviours in a cohort of migrant detainees: An observational, prospective study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(3), pages 514-524, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:68:y:2022:i:3:p:514-524
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764020979007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gülnur İlgün & Birol Yetim & Şenol Demirci & Murat Konca, 2020. "Individual and socio-demographic determinants of suicide: An examination on WHO countries," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(2), pages 124-128, March.
    2. Isabella Pistone & Ulrika Beckman & Erik Eriksson & Helena Lagerlöf & Morten Sager, 2019. "The effects of educational interventions on suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 65(5), pages 399-412, August.
    3. Adrian J Archuleta & Stephanie Grace Prost & Seana Golder, 2020. "The light and dark sides of social capital: Depressive symptoms among incarcerated older adults," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(1), pages 23-33, February.
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