Factors Associated with Severe Deliberate Self-Harm among Chinese Internal Migrants

Yuanyuan Xiao,Ruying Hu,Naiqing Zhao,Weiwei Gong,Jieming Zhong,Min Yu,Ming Zhao,Ehsan U Syed

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080667

Yuanyuan Xiao, Ruying Hu + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080667

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Abstract

BackgroundStudies on mental health status of Chinese internal migrants are sparse albeit desperately needed. Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is intimately related to mental disorders, especially depression based on literatures. The major aim of this study is to explore associated factors of severe DSH among Chinese internal migrants.MethodsTotally 426 DSH migrants identified by a provincial injury sentinel surveillance system between the year 2005 and 2010 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to depict general characteristics of those cases. Chi-square test was used to explore inter-stratum distributive differences of self-harm severity by multiple factors. Logistic regression model was employed to estimate associations between severe self-harm and factors of interest.ResultsAmong all identified DSH migrants, females took the majority (66.2%), younger individuals accounted for nearly two-thirds of all study subjects. Based on logistic regression model fitting result, age and preceding alcohol drinking were significantly related to self-harm severity, whereas residence place and self-harm method only showed associations with severe DSH in females.ConclusionsAmong Chinese internal migrants, older ones and females who reside in county areas could be more vulnerable to severe self-harm, population-based studies which focusing on the characteristics and risk factors of mental health well-being among Chinese internal migrants are urgently warranted.

Highlights

The lasting internal migration in China probably can be called the most magnificent population reshuffling in modern history
According to the 6th National Population Census data, by the end of the year 2010, there were more than 221 million internal migrants in China, over 80 percent increase in amount when compared with the inception of 21st millennium [3], yet a continuous growth is expected in the near future
The major aim of our study is to investigate self-harm behaviors among Chinese internal migrants, by looking into the risk factors that associated with severe Deliberate self-harm (DSH)

Summary

Introduction

The lasting internal migration in China probably can be called the most magnificent population reshuffling in modern history. In China, internal migration usually occurs without a change of hukou (household registration) status. Hukou status decides one’s full access to employment, medical insurance, housing stipend, social welfare and education within the registration area [4]. In this instance, internal migrants are often labeled as ‘‘vulnerable individuals’’ in host cities [5]. Some existing studies in this field had already disclosed a disturbing trend: the overall mental health status of internal migrants is alarming, especially the prevalence of depression. Studies on mental health status of Chinese internal migrants are sparse albeit desperately needed. The major aim of this study is to explore associated factors of severe DSH among Chinese internal migrants

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