Injury Hospitalization and Risks for Subsequent Self-Injury and Suicide: a National Study From New Zealand

Risks for suicide & nonfatal self-injury hospitalizations associated with previous injury hospitalizations were investigated in a nationwide retrospective cohort study in New Zealand. Participants were followed for 12 months. Significantly increased age- & sex-adjusted relative risk for suicide were associated with previous hospitalization for self-injury, injuries of undetermined causes, & assault. Also, elevated risks were associated with these causes of hospitalization in the case of subsequent self-injury hospitalizations. Results suggest the potential of targeted suicide prevention for these individuals. (22 refs.)