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. 2016;20(2):113-41.
doi: 10.1080/13811118.2015.1033121. Epub 2016 Jan 20.

Using Data Linkage to Investigate Inconsistent Reporting of Self-Harm and Questionnaire Non-Response

Becky Mars, Rosie Cornish, Jon Heron, Andy Boyd, Catherine Crane, Keith Hawton, Glyn Lewis, Kate Tilling, John Macleod, David Gunnell

Using Data Linkage to Investigate Inconsistent Reporting of Self-Harm and Questionnaire Non-Response

Becky Mars et al. Arch Suicide Res. 2016.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine agreement between self-reported and medically recorded self-harm, and investigate whether the prevalence of self-harm differs in questionnaire responders vs. non-responders. A total of 4,810 participants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) completed a self-harm questionnaire at age 16 years. Data from consenting participants were linked to medical records (number available for analyses ranges from 205-3,027). The prevalence of self-harm leading to hospital admission was somewhat higher in questionnaire non-responders than responders (2.0 vs. 1.2%). Hospital attendance with self-harm was under-reported on the questionnaire. One third reported self-harm inconsistently over time; inconsistent reporters were less likely to have depression and fewer had self-harmed with suicidal intent. Self-harm prevalence estimates derived from self-report may be underestimated; more accurate figures may come from combining data from multiple sources.

Keywords: ALSPAC; agreement; consistency; data linkage; self-harm; suicide attempt.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Flow-chart of linkage between the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort and the Hospital Episode Statistics database (HES).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Flow-chart of linkage between the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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