Prospectively predicting 6-month risk for non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents after psychiatric...

It is challenging to predict the occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents over short periods. Moreover, the predictive value of indices for NSSI remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to identify predictors of NSSI within 6 months among adolescents after psychiatric hospitalization by establishing a risk assessment model.

A total of 632 high-risk participants were included in this study. The distribution characteristics of adolescent NSSI were initially assessed through a cross-sectional survey, following which risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis. The risk score method was then used to construct a 6-month risk assessment model for NSSI. Lastly, the predictive effect of the model was evaluated by indicators such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the positive predictive value.

After 6 months, 412 cases of NSSI were identified. According to the logistic regression model, the frequency of relapses, medication status, and NSSI history were identified as influencing factors. Higher scores on the Impulsive Behavior Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were associated with a higher risk of NSSI. Conversely, higher scores on the Pain and Belief Perception Scale were correlated with a lower risk of NSSI. Moreover, the area under the ROC curve for the predictive model was 0.9989, with a 95% confidence interval of (0.9979, 0.9999), highlighting its high predictive ability and accuracy. The predictive model was validated using 78 patients, yielding an area under the ROC curve of 0.9703 and a 95% confidence interval of (0.9167, 0.9999), demonstrating outstanding predictability.

These results collectively showed that the predictive model could accurately predict adolescent NSSI. Thus, the model's primary variables may be applied to predict the risk of NSSI in the clinical setting.