# A Call for Help: A Retrospective National Study of Self-Inflicted Trauma Among American Indians and Alaskan Natives

## TL;DR

This study examines self-inflicted trauma among American Indians and Alaskan Natives, finding younger age, lower injury severity, and higher drug use compared to other groups.

## Contribution

The study highlights unique patterns in self-inflicted trauma among AIAN populations, suggesting a 'call for help' through physical injury.

## Key findings

- AIAN patients were younger and had lower injury severity scores compared to other groups.
- AIAN patients had higher rates of drug use and presented with cut or piercing injuries more frequently.
- AIAN patients had shorter ICU and hospital stays despite higher suicide completion rates.

## Abstract

Background

Self-inflicted injury accounts for approximately 312,000 emergency department visits annually. American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AIAN) have significantly higher rates of suicide. The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was analyzed for the incidence of self-inflicted trauma.

Methods

Data were obtained from the NTDB 2012-2017. Patients were selected using ICD codes for self-inflicted trauma. Categorical and continuous variables were tested for significance.

Results

AIAN patients accounted for 1,176 of the 78,668 patients. The AIAN patients were younger, had lower injury severity score (ISS) scores, were more female, utilized Medicaid more frequently, were more likely to present with a cut or piercing injury, and had higher rates of positive alcohol and drug tests. AIAN patients had shorter lengths of stay in the ICU and overall hospital stay.

Conclusion

Despite a higher rate of suicide completion, the AIAN population had lower rates of presentation to the hospital and lower ISS scores. AIAN patients were younger, had higher rates of drug use, and utilized cutting/stabbing. This discrepancy could indicate a physical manifestation of a “call for help”.