Self-Reported and Agency-Notified Child Abuse as Contributors to Suicidal Behaviour in a Population-Based Birth Cohort Study at 30-Year-Follow-Up

Abstract

This was a record-linkage analysis of a birth cohort to examine the association between self-reported self-harm in adulthood and childhood maltreatment (CM) as prospectively notified to authorities and self-reported on the Child Trauma Questionnaire. There were 2507 participants at 30-year follow-up with data on both CM and self-reported self-harm including an intent to die. Of the participants, 304 (12.1%) had self-harmed at some time in their lives while 150 (4.2%) had wanted to die. The prevalence of self- and agency-reported maltreatment was 513 (20.5%) and 143 (5.7%) respectively. On adjusted analyses, CM irrespective of reporting source showed significant associations with both suicidal outcomes. Physical and emotional abuse showed the strongest associations while findings for neglect were mixed. The only association for sexual abuse was for self-reported maltreatment and intent to die but numbers may have been under-powered.

Emergency department presentations for deliberate self-harm and suicidal ideation in 25–39 year olds following agency-notified child maltreatment: results from the Childhood Adversity and Lifetime Morbidity (CALM) study

“…Methodological differences may explain some of the discrepancies in findings between the current study and our previous findings on self-reported self-harm and suicidal ideation (Kisely et al , 2022b ). Notably, the prevalence of combined DSH and/or suicide ideation in the current study was 4.1% compared to 12.1% for self-harm and 4.2% for suicidal ideation in our earlier study.…”

“…Psychologically, CM can have a lasting impact on an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth (Costanza et al , 2022 ; Mann et al , 2004 ). As a result, they are at greater risk of psychiatric or substance use disorders, both of which can lead to suicidal behaviours (Kisely et al , 2021 , 2022b ). Socially, CM is associated with lower educational attainment and dysfunctional relationships leading to unstable employment or loneliness and a greater risk of suicidal behaviour.…”

“…Additionally, the minimum age of individuals in the dataset in 2008 was 25 years old, thus lessening the possibility that poisoning with agents such a paracetamol was accidental (Caravati, 2000 ; Penna and Buchanan, 1991 ). Use of ED presentations as the primary outcome is a further strength as our previous assessments of suicidal behaviour in MUSP participants were restricted to two self-reported items (Kisely et al , 2022b ).…”

“…Our previous work from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) followed up a birth cohort to age 30 in an attempt to address some of these issues (Kisely et al , 2022b ). Of the original 7,223 members of the birth cohort (Najman et al , 2015 ), 7,214 had data that could be linked to notifications of CM from Queensland-wide statutory agencies (up to 15 years of age).…”

“…Of the original 7,223 members of the birth cohort (Najman et al , 2015 ), 7,214 had data that could be linked to notifications of CM from Queensland-wide statutory agencies (up to 15 years of age). At the 30-year follow-up point, 12.1% ( n = 304) disclosed that they had self-harmed at some time in their lives, and 150 (4.2%) said they had wanted to die (Kisely et al , 2022b ). In adjusted analysis, agency-reported CM demonstrated significant associations with both self-harm and wanting to die.…”