The gender distribution and association between sociodemographic factors and self- injury: analysis from the Discharge Injury Patient Survey, South Korea

Abstract Background Research gaps persist in understanding the underlying sociodemographic patterning of self-injury (SI). Despite its strong connection to high suicide rates in South Korea, SI in the country remains underexplored. Methods The study utilized the Discharge Injury Patient survey, an annual national survey spanning from 2004 to 2021. The study sample consisted of injury patients within the dataset. SI served as the primary outcome. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, survey year, and state. The trends of SI prevalence over age groups and its gender distribution were examined. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to understand the association between gender and SI. The change in the association over time was explored through stratified regression on age groups and year groups. Results The study encompassed 497,882 injury patients, with 13,139 SI patients. The prevalence of SI was higher in women (2.4%) than in men (1.5%) and peaked across ages 21–50 (2.4–2.5%). Prevalence exhibited a decline from 2004 to 2017 but experienced an upswing in 2019 to 2021, primarily attributed to the increased prevalence of SI among women. Gender gaps showed a decreasing trend over time, except for the period in 2019–2021. The higher burden of SI in women was more pronounced in younger age groups, particularly those aged ≤ 20. Regression models confirmed these patterns. Conclusion Women are more likely to experience SI in South Korea. The gender patterning varies across age groups and has undergone changes over time. Further research is imperative to delve into the root causes of these disparities.