Osong Public Health Res Perspect.  2024 Dec;15(6):497-507. 10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0112.

Factors influencing intentional self-harm in Chungcheongbuk Province relative to the Seoul region in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study

• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2563925
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0112

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated factors influencing intentional self-harm in Chungcheongbuk Province (hereinafter, Chungbuk) compared to Seoul in the Republic of Korea.
Methods
Raw data from the Discharge In-depth Injury Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency were utilized. From 2,329,149 cases recorded over 9 years (2013–2021), 911 were identified as intentional self-harm cases (248 from Chungbuk and 633 from Seoul). We analyzed the differences in and influencing factors of intentional self-harm in Chungbuk relative to Seoul using the independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and binomial logistic regression analysis.
Results
Intentional self-harm was found to be 1.232 times more prevalent among females than males (p < 0.05); 2.327 times more prevalent among middle-aged and older adults, ages 50 to 64, compared to those under 50 years old (p < 0.01); 8.603 times more prevalent among those using hospitals with fewer than 500 beds compared to those with 500 beds or more (p < 0.001); 2.412 times more prevalent among individuals using hospitals in different regions compared to those within the same region (p < 0.01); 2.217 times more prevalent among those attempting intentional self-harm during daily activities compared to other specified activities (p < 0.01); and 6.987 times more prevalent among those using pesticides or herbicides compared to other poisons (p < 0.001) in Chungbuk relative to Seoul.
Conclusion
In the Chungbuk region, intentional self-harm prevention programs should be implemented, specifically targeting women, particularly those aged 50 to 64. Additionally, due to the high incidence of intentional self-harm involving pesticides or herbicides in Chungbuk, these substances should be stringently monitored to restrict access.

Keyword

Chungbuk Province; Self-injurious behavior; Seoul