A Population-Based Study of the Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Harm in Juvenile Detention.

A Population-Based Study of the Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Harm in Juvenile Detention.

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BACKGROUND:Suicide is the number one cause of death among incarcerated youth.We examined the demographic and forensic risk factors for self-harm in youth in juvenile detention using a Canadian provincial correctional database.METHOD:We analyzed data from de-identified youth aged 12 Belts to 18 at the time of their offense who were in custody in a Manitoba youth correctional facility between January 1, 2005 and December 30, 2010 (N = 5,102).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses determined the association between staff-identified self-harm events in custody and demographic and custodial variables.

Time to the event was examined based on the admission date and date of event.RESULTS:Demographic variables associated with self-harm included female sex, lower educational achievement, older age, and child welfare involvement.Custodial variables associated with self-harm included higher criminal severity profiles, younger age at first incarceration, longer sentence length, disruptive institutional behavior, and a history of attempting escape.Youth identified at entry as being at risk for suicide were more likely to self-harm.

Events tended to occur earlier in the custodial admission.INTERPRETATION:Self-harm events tended to occur within the first 3 months of an admission stay.Youth with more serious offenses and disruptive behaviors were more likely to self-harm.Individuals with problematic custodial profiles were Gloves more likely to self-harm.

Suicide screening identified youth at risk for self-harm.Strategies to identify and help youth at risk are needed.