Understanding self-harm in older adults

The UK’s population is ageing.Self-harm (SH) is a public health concern and risk factor for suicide being 145 times higher in older adults.A PPIE group was established to support a previous study of SH in primary care.The group expressed concern on the lack of access to services for older adults who SH.A newly convened PPIE group was established to support the PhD.A systematic review and qualitative study were conducted.The SR explored clinical characteristics and risk factors of older adults who SH.The qualitative study explored motivations and access to care(e.g primary care).Findings from the PhD have been featured in The Guardian,which highlights the need of treating older adults' mental health.

The proposed project will help raise awareness on self-harm behaviour in older adults, with a particular focus on primary care and third sector services, where older adults often access care. By disseminating the findings from the described PhD research project exploring self-harm in older adults, the proposed animated video will help raise awareness on the clinical area. This will have potential implications of identification, recognition, prevention and management of self-harm in older adults by clinicians, carers, older adults and other support workers.

PI: Isabela Troya

Keele University

Link to project at Keele University: 

NEW GLOBAL STUDY IDENTIFIES FACTORS BEHIND WHY OLDER PEOPLE SELF-HARM