Abstract
Key summary pointsAimTo describe a cohort of older trauma patients treated for injuries related to intentional injury over 20 years.FindingsIntentional injury among older patients is rare, but differences are evident when comparing older and younger survivors of suicide attempts. Differences with mortality method of self-inflicted injury, discharge to home and injury severity between genders were identified.MessageAlthough older patients are not the typical suicide attempt patient presenting at hospitals, their management and discharge planning are often complex and challenging due to undiagnosed mental health conditions, pre-existing comorbidities and difficulties with mental health resource options for this age group.
Highlights
Suicide is a significant cause of mortality globally
A retrospective review of trauma registry data identified all suicide attempts over 20 years from January 2000 to December 2019 was done at a single American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified Level II adult trauma center
Most suicide attempts arriving at our hospital are treated by the trauma service, with the exception of intentional drug overdose cases, normally treated by the emergency department medical staff
Summary
Suicide is a significant cause of mortality globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every year, over 700,000 individuals die by suicide and accounted for 1.3% of all deaths worldwide in 2019, making it the 17th leading cause of death. In the United States, the per capita rate of suicide has been steadily increasing every decade, especially for those 65 years and older. As of 2018, Americans 65 years and older had a suicide rate (16.8/100,000), slightly higher than the general population (14.8/100,000). This rate only increases as a person ages, rising to 20.1/100,000 for those 85 years and older [2]
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