Self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and associated factors among rural left-behind children in west China

Ann Epidemiol. 2020 Feb:42:42-49. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.12.014. Epub 2020 Jan 8.

Abstract

Purpose: This population-based cross-sectional study describes self-harm (SH) behaviors and associated factors in 2898 Chinese left-behind children (LBC).

Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to present and compare the distributional characteristics of SH behaviors. Binary and ordinal logistic-regression models for survey data were applied to explore associated factors of SH.

Results: Among the LBC, 48% (95% CI: 42%-54%) reported SH behaviors. SH was prominently associated with suicidal ideation. Boys, junior high-school students, and LBC whose fathers were poorly educated were observed to have higher prevalence of SH. Boys, local ethnic minorities, junior high-school students, and LBC whose fathers were comparatively well educated were observed to be at increased risk of more medically serious SH behaviors.

Conclusions: SH is a substantial public health problem among rural Chinese LBC. Targeted intervention measures should be developed to reduce future suicide risk.

Keywords: Association; Left-behind children; Self-harm; Suicidal ideation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Abandoned / psychology*
  • Child, Abandoned / statistics & numerical data
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Suicidal Ideation*