Self-harm characteristics of younger-old and older-old adults admitted to emergency departments: a nationwide study

Self-harm is a major risk factor for suicide or self-harm repetition. As the global population ages, it important that older adults are not considered homogeneous group. In this study, we aimed to identify characteristics of elderly and compare these between age groups who were admitted emergency departments in South Korea. A retrospective study was conducted using Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance (EDIIS) database We included patients aged 65 years more. Inclusions divided into two by age: younger-old (65 79 years) older-old (≥80 years). The primary outcome difference groups; secondary analysis potential factors in-hospital mortality among with self-harm. Among total 2,116,039 recorded database, there 5986 patients. incidence increased through mid-70s, peaking at 75 (3.59%, 95% confidence interval, 3.27%–3.91%). Two showed significant differences demographic variables, such as sex, alcohol consumption, injury location, motivation. Risk age, male no medical service use, method peaked mid-70s decreased thereafter. higher rate observed adults, compared may be attributed resilient physical status naturally derived from age.