Citation

Borschmann R, Oram S, Kinner SA, Dutta R, Zimmerman C, Howard LM. Psychiatr. Serv. 2016; 68(2): 207-210.

Affiliation

Dr. Borschmann is with the Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne (e-mail: rohan.borschmann@mcri.edu.au ). Dr. Oram and Prof. Howard are with the Department of Health Service and Population Research and Dr. Dutta is with the Division of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London. Prof. Kinner is with the Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Dr. Zimmerman is with the Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.201500509

PMID

27745538

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study estimated the prevalence and correlates of self-harm among adult victims of human trafficking who accessed secondary mental health services, and it estimated the responses of mental health services to these individuals.

METHODS: A clinical records database was searched for self-harm, sociodemographic, clinical, and service use characteristics among trafficked adults who accessed secondary mental health services in South London (2006-2012). Logistic regression models compared trafficked patients (N=84) and a matched cohort of nontrafficked patients (N=287).

RESULTS: Among trafficked patients, 33% had engaged in self-harm prior to care and 25% in self-harm during care. After engaging in self-harm, trafficked patients were more likely than nontrafficked patients to be admitted as a psychiatric inpatient (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.81) but less likely to visit an emergency department (AOR=.47).

CONCLUSIONS: Self-harm is prevalent among trafficked adults accessing secondary mental health services, and mental health professionals have a crucial role to play in supporting survivors.

Language: en