Mapping Adolescent Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviours Across Eastern Australia.

In Australia, adolescent suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviours have been steadily increasing over that past two decades. However, existing research on the geographic distribution of these behaviours in Australia largely focuses on adults, suicides, or uses pre-COVID-19 data. This study aimed to map and describe the geographic regions where ambulance attendances for adolescent suicidal and NSSI behaviours are occurring. Data from the National Ambulance Surveillance System were used to analyse three-year averages and per capita rates of ambulance attendances for adolescents (12-17 years) across local government areas in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, and Tasmania from 2021 to 2023. The three-year annual average of ambulance attendances for adolescent suicidal behaviour and NSSI were 6,504 in NSW (35.94 per 10,000), 4,017 in Victoria (25.61 per 10,000), and 444 in Tasmania (44.86 per 10,000). Nearly 90% of attendances required transport to hospital, and over 50% occurred outside traditional service hours. Results identified that Major Cities and high socioeconomic status (SES) local government areas (LGAs), were significantly less likely to have higher rates of ambulance attendances for adolescent suicidal and NSSI behaviours. This study highlights substantial variability across three eastern states of Australia where adolescent suicidal and NSSI behaviours are occurring, demonstrating the need for accessible after-hours mental health support, and that regional and lower SES LGA's are disproportionately impacted. Given the concerning state of adolescent mental health in Australia, this study highlights the need for targeted, data-informed responses to reduce the current reliance on emergency care.