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Revista de salud publica del Paraguay
Print version ISSN 2224-6193On-line version ISSN 2307-3349
Abstract
DUARTE-ARROYO, Araceli et al. Non-suicidal self-injury in general population: Frequency and associated factors in Paraguay. Rev. salud publica Parag. [online]. 2023, vol.13, n.3, pp.29-35. ISSN 2307-3349. https://doi.org/10.18004/rspp.2023.dicie.05.
Introduction:
Research on non-suicidal self-injury raises awareness of this phenomenon, enabling the early detection and implementation of more effective strategies in prevention and treatment. This leads to a reduction in individual suffering, economic costs, and impact on society.
Objective:
To determine the frequency and associated factors of non-suicidal self-injury in a sample of the adult population of Paraguay.
Methodology:
This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective study. An online survey was disseminated through social networks and messaging applications. The survey included questions on sociodemographic and clinical data. The presence of self-injury was determined by using the Spanish version of the Self-Harm Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for all the variables. The chi-square test was used to examine associations.
Results:
There were 241 participants (mean age=32±12 years, 74.7%female). A non-suicidal self-injury frequency of 24.5% (n=59) was observed. Of these, 91.5% reported suicidal ideation at least once. An association was found between income level and the frequency of non-suicidal self-injury (χ^2=16,9 gl=2 p<0,001). The main factors associated with non-suicidal self-injury were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (OR=4.81) and a history of physical or sexual abuse (OR=3.00).
Conclusion:
Through this research, it was determined that almost one in four adult participants self-injured. Most of them had had suicidal thoughts at least once. In addition, income below the minimum wage and factors such as a previous mental disorder and a history of physical or sexual abuse were associated with non-suicidal self-injury.
Keywords : non-suicidal self-injury; epidemiology; mental disorder; sexual abuse; physical abuse; Paraguay.