The Gender Distribution and Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Hospital-Presenting Self-Injury: Analysis from the Korea National Hospital Discharge In-Depth Injury Survey

Publication information:

Sung M, Kim R, Subramanian S V.
The Gender Distribution and Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Hospital-Presenting Self-Injury: Analysis from the Korea National Hospital Discharge In-Depth Injury Survey. Archives of Suicide Research. 2025.

Abstract

Objective

Research gaps persist in understanding the underlying sociodemographic patterning of hospital-presenting self-injury (HPSI) in South Korea. Our research aims to understand the relationship between HPSI and gender over time in relation to its sociodemographic attributes.

Method

The study utilized the Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey (KNHDIS) from 2004 to 2021. The change in the age-standardized rate per 100,000 Koreans over age groups and their gender distribution was examined. Logistic regression models were employed to understand the association between gender and HPSI.

Results

The study encompassed 497,882 injury patients, with 13,139 HPSI patients. The age-standardized rate per 100,000 was similar across years, and significantly higher in older age groups over 70. Also, the HPSI rate was higher in women (43.01, 95% CI: 40–46.08) than in men (36.65, 95% CI: 34.03–39.28). This gender pattern was consistent across years but showed an opposite trend over age 50, where men experience more HPSI. Gender gaps showed a decreasing trend over time, except for the 2019–2021 period in which HPSI rates rose disproportionately among adolescent girls and elderly men. Regression models confirmed these patterns, where the odds ratio of women on HPSI was 1.76 (95% CI: 1.46–2.16) in the fully adjusted model, it was 4.33 (95% CI: 3.64–5.14) in age group ≤20 and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.34–0.44) in age group >80.

Conclusions

The gender pattern of HPSI varies significantly by age group. Further research is imperative to delve into the root causes of these differences.

HIGHLIGHTS

 

  • Overall, women are more likely to experience hospital presenting self-injury (HPSI) in South Korea (Odds ratio = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.46–2.16).
  • Although women have higher rates of HPSI before age 50, men surpass women in HPSI rates after age 50.
  • During the period 2019–2021, age-standardized national HPSI rates rose disproportionately among girls aged 20 and younger, and for men over age 70.
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