Self-injurious Behaviour in Asia

Abstract

Objective: This paper reports on a systematic review of the literature on self-injurious behaviours (SIB) among Asian populations. Studies were selected if they (1) measured any type of SIB irrespective of suicide intent, (2) reported definitions and measurement for SIB, and (3) reported either prevalence and / or odds ratios. Methods: A small number of heterogeneous and atheoretical studies were identified in this study. The methodology and reporting quality of the reviewed studies was systematically examined. Results: The majority of the studies focused on younger populations. Mean prevalence among school-age adolescents was about 13%. Variables positively correlated with SIB included being female, young age, unemployed, parental invalidation or disapproval, and a history of physical / sexual abuse, and psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, eating disorders, substance dependence, or personality disorders). Negatively correlated variables included positive peer relationships and a positive life attitude. No intervention studies or prevention programmes could be identified in the reviewed studies. Conclusion: Evidence provided in this paper suggests that an understanding of SIB in Asian population is limited and recommendations for future research and prevention are provided for greater understanding of this phenomenon.