Factors associated with severe deliberate self-harm among Chinese internal migrants

Studies on mental health status of Chinese internal migrants are sparse albeit desperately needed. Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is intimately related to mental disorders, especially depression based on literatures. The major aim of this study is to explore associated factors of severe DSH among Chinese internal migrants.

Totally 426 DSH migrants identified by a provincial injury sentinel surveillance system between the year 2005 and 2010 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to depict general characteristics of those cases. Chi-square test was used to explore inter-stratum distributive differences of self-harm severity by multiple factors. Logistic regression model was employed to estimate associations between severe self-harm and factors of interest.

Among all identified DSH migrants, females took the majority (66.2%), younger individuals accounted for nearly two-thirds of all study subjects. Based on logistic regression model fitting result, age and preceding alcohol drinking were significantly related to self-harm severity, whereas residence place and self-harm method only showed associations with severe DSH in females.

Among Chinese internal migrants, older ones and females who reside in county areas could be more vulnerable to severe self-harm, population-based studies which focusing on the characteristics and risk factors of mental health well-being among Chinese internal migrants are urgently warranted.