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Asthma and self-harm: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Vincent Chin-Hung Chen1, Tsu-Nai Wang2, Yin-To Liao1
1Department of Psychiatry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|September 17, 2014
Summary
Individuals with asthma face a higher risk of self-harm. This study highlights the importance of integrating mental health support into asthma care and recognizing asthma as a stressor for those with mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition.
- The link between asthma and suicidality-related outcomes requires further investigation globally.
- Understanding this association is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between asthma and the risk of non-fatal self-harm.
- To analyze this relationship in a large national sample from Taiwan.
- To identify potential risk factors and confounding variables.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2000-2008).
- Identified 27,781 asthma cases (aged 10+) and compared them to 138,905 matched controls.
- Utilized competing risk-adjusted Cox regression, controlling for demographic, clinical, and treatment factors.
Main Results:
- A total of 166,686 subjects were followed for a mean of 5.84 years.
- 445 instances of self-harm were recorded.
- Asthma was independently associated with an increased risk of self-harm (HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.35-2.14).
Conclusions:
- Asthma is linked to a higher risk of self-harm, independent of confounding factors.
- Mental health screening and support should be integrated into routine asthma care.
- Asthma may act as a significant stressor for individuals with co-occurring mental disorders.
