Trends and repetition of non-fatal suicidal behaviour: Analyses of the Gold Coast University Hospital’s Emergency Department

Objective: The aim of the current paper is to analyse time trends of non-fatal suicidal behaviour (NFSB) and its repetition at the Gold Coast in 2005–2015. Methods: Data on presentations for NFSB were obtained from the Emergency Department (ED) Information System. Potential cases were identified through keyword searches, which were further scrutinised and coded. Annual person-based age-standardised rates for NFSB were calculated. Chi-square test, Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used. 

Results: There was a significant increase in the age-standardised rates of NFSB for males (incidence Rate Ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.07) and females (iRR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04–1.07). Age-specific rates showed significant increases for all age groups, except 25–34 and 55+ for females. Different types of poisoning were the predominant method of NFSB (poisoning only – 61.7% of episodes), followed by cutting (23%). Within the first year after the index episode, 13.4% of subjects repeated NFSB. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that sex, age and method predicted repetition. 

Conclusion: The increasing trends of NFSB and relatively high repetition rates emphasise the need for preventative actions. Monitoring of NFSB at the ED level should be further extended in Australia.