A study based on data on self-harm presentations to 34 Irish hospital emergency departments between 2010 and 2014 found that homeless people are thirty times more likely to self-harm than those living in fixed residences. Homeless people do not only suffer “a disproportionate burden of self-harm”, but are also more likely to have a repeat incident of self-harming within 12 months. The authors recommend targeted preventive actions, including changes to health and housing policy, better access to appropriate care and enhanced training for healthcare and community-based professionals.
