The Prevalence, Correlates and Functions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Vietnamese Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose Research conducted across different countries has consistently identified non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to be a common and significant public health problem. This study examined the prevalence, associated factors and functions of NSSI, among a large sample of Vietnamese adolescents. Methods A total of 1316 high school students (15–18 years old, 63.3% female) across urban and suburban areas in Ho Chi Minh City, participated in this cross-sectional study. NSSI was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation. Results Almost half (43.9%) of the adolescents engaged in at least one type of NSSI within the preceding 12-month period and more than one quarter (26.1%) engaged in multiple types of NSSI. Hitting self on purpose (23.1%), picking at a wound (17.0%), or biting self (16.7%) were the most frequent behaviours. Severe forms of NSSI such as scraping, burning or erasing skin were reported by 17.2%. The most common functions for NSSI were to stop bad feelings (56.0%), to punish self (48.7%), to get control of a situation (44.0%) and to feel relaxed (42.2%). Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were significant factors associated with NSSI, particularly for participants who engaged in moderate/severe NSSI and multiple types of NSSI. Conclusion High rates of NSSI were found in Vietnamese adolescents. There is a pressing need for the development and implementation of effective interventions to reduce NSSI. Strategies that promote positive mental health and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress as well as approaches that help adolescents manage their internal emotions are likely to be beneficial.

Cyber-victimization and its association with depression among Vietnamese adolescents

“…Additionally, more females participated in our study than males and thus might lead to potential biases. Although gender differences in particiation in mental health studies have been commonly reported in Vietnam ( Thai, Vu & Bui, 2020 ; Thai et al, 2020 ; Thai et al, 2021 ), the reasons for this phenomenon and the magnitude of its effect on mental health and related factors warrant further investigations.…”

Family intimacy and adaptability and non-suicidal self-injury: a mediation analysis

“…Finally, 596 adolescents were included in the analysis. The inclusion criteria were as follows: adolescents 1) aged 11–18 years; 2) [ 36 ] assigned ICD-10 diagnostic codes for depression F32.0, F32.1, and F32.2: Essentials of Clinical Description and Diagnosis [ 37 ] (i.e., persistent depressed mood or decreased interest in activities for at least two weeks, accompanied by difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, excessive and inappropriate feelings of guilt and self-blame, and hopelessness); 3) who agreed to participate in the study voluntarily or whose legal guardian consented to their participation. The exclusion criteria were as follows: adolescents with 1) mental disorders other than depression, 2) a history of alcohol or drug abuse, 3) serious physical illness, 4) abnormal hearing or vision, 5) any suicidal intention or behaviors(e.g., jumping from heights, hanging oneself, consuming a lethal dose of drugs) during the period of self-injury, and 6) refusal to participate in the study.…”

Association between life events, anxiety, depression and non-suicidal self-injury behavior in Chinese psychiatric adolescent inpatients: a cross-sectional study

“…Studies in several countries have reported that 9-44% of adolescents engaged in at least one form of NSSI within the preceding 12 months (11)(12)(13)(14). A recent meta-analysis involving 264,638 adolescents in nonclinical populations reported a lifetime NSSI prevalence of 22% and 12-month prevalence of 23% (15).…”