526 Factors protecting against self-harm/suicidality among Australian Indigenous Adolescents: A multilevel analysis. (20th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Islam, Irteja; Sharwood, Lisa; Chadwick, Verity; Esgin, Tuguy; Martiniuk, Alexandra
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 28(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A80
• Page End: A81
• Publication Date: 2022-11-20
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2022-safety2022.240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Self-harm and suicidality are major public health concerns and are notably higher among the Indigenous population in Australia. We aimed to identify factors protecting Indigenous adolescents from self-harm and/or suicidality at the individual and community level. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. This study included those of adolescents aged 13–15yr with complete data for self-reported self-harm and/or suicidality (from wave 11) and predictor variables (from wave 10 and 11), and multilevel logistic models were employed. Results: We included 365 adolescents (mean age 14.04), 8.2% (n=30) of whom reported intentional self-harm in the past-12 months; 4.1% (n=15) reported suicidality. Multilevel analysis revealed being male, having strong family cohesion and living in urban areas was protective against self-harm and suicidality (p<0.05 for all). We found that having a strong Indigenous identity did not protect against self-harm and/or suicidality. However, low SDQ scores (collected 1yr prior to outcome(s)) were found to be protective against self-harm/suicidality (p<0.05), and further underscore SDQ's usefulness in identifying children and youth who may need more social, behavioural, and emotional support. Conclusions: Adolescents are at a critical juncture in their path to adulthood, and this identification of protective factors among Indigenous adolescents may inform future initiatives. Learning outcomes: The significance of Indigenous identity should be advocated to improve self-harm/suicidality among Australian Indigenous adolescents. Future strategies also need to consider the higher risks among females, those living in rural areas, with high SDQ scores and households with poor cohesion.