Self-harm incidence among children and young people 2019-2023: time series analysis of electronic health records in Greater Manchester, England.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mental health of children and adolescents has declined in recent years. Self-harm is frequently an expression of this psychological distress.

Objectives

To examine trends in self-harm incidence among 10-24-year olds between January 2019-December 2023.

Methods

We conducted time-series analyses of all incident episodes of self-harm among 10-24-year olds using the Greater Manchester Care Record. The observation period was split into four phases: pre-pandemic (1/2019-2/2020); pandemic phase 1 (3/2020-6/2021); pandemic phase 2 (7/2021-12/2022) and post-pandemic (1/2023-12/2023). Rate ratios by sex, age, ethnicity and Indices of Multiple Deprivation were modelled using negative binomial regression.

Findings

Self-harm incidence rates decreased significa

SUBMITTER: Hussey LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12161433 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature