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. 2025 Mar;60(3):727-736.
doi: 10.1007/s00127-024-02795-y. Epub 2024 Nov 11.

Joinpoint analyses of rates on hospital-recorded deliberate self-harm: an update on Danish national trends

Britt Reuter Morthorst  1   2   3 , Michella Heinrichsen  4 , Annette Erlangsen  5   6   7   8
Affiliations

Joinpoint analyses of rates on hospital-recorded deliberate self-harm: an update on Danish national trends

Britt Reuter Morthorst et al. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a public health concern and the high rates among adolescents and females warrant continuous monitoring. The aim of this study was to determine trends in DSH rates by gender and age in Denmark during 2000-2021 using joinpoint regression analysis.

Methods: A cohort design was applied to national register data on all individuals aged 10 + years living in Denmark during 2000-2021. DSH episodes were identified in somatic and psychiatric hospital data. Sex- and age-specific incidence rates (IR) were calculated by calendar years. Using joinpoint regression analyses, segments of change and their annual percent change (APC) were identified.

Results: The highest DSH rates were observed for males and females aged 19-24 years with IRs of 146.8 (95% CI 142.9-150.7) and 378.6 (95% CI 372.1-385.0) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Major changes in DSH rates were found for the youngest age groups. A step decrease was found for males aged 19-24 years (-18.4; 95% CI -31.9- -2.3; p = < 0.030) during 2012 to 2015. A significant decline was observed during 2012-2016 for females aged 19-24 years (-18.9; 95% CI -26.8 - -10.2; p = 0.001). Poisoning was the most frequently used method.

Conclusion: Seemingly, the financial recession in 2008 did not affect Danish DSH rates. Significant declines were observed for females in the years where means restrictive measures had been installed; thus, supporting their potential effect. Fluctuations in DSH rates among adolescents and young adults in recent years underscore the importance of continued monitoring.

Keywords: Cohort study; Deliberate self-harm; Deliberate self-harm methods.; Epidemiology; Joinpoint.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Conflict of interest disclosures: None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Joinpoint analysis of the incidence rates for DSH per 100,000 person years for males in Denmark during 2000–2021
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Joinpoint analysis of the incidence rates for DSH per 100,000 person years for females in Denmark during 2000–2021
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Distribution of DSH suicide method (in percent) for males and females aged 10–18 years and 19–24 years in year 2000, 2013, and 2021
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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