Variation in and Factors Associated with Youth Self-Harm in College Students - Jiangsu Province, China, 2019-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Self-harm represents a significant public health challenge that disproportionately affects young adults. Understanding individual- and institutional-level risk factors is crucial for developing and implementing effective mental wellness intervention programs for college students.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: The prevalence of youth self-harm fluctuated between 2.21% and 3.83% from 2019 to 2023. Risk factors associated with self-harm included unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, particularly internet addiction, while the implementation of regular family psychological forums was associated with reduced self-harm risk.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Effective campus-based psychosocial support systems must incorporate person-centered approaches and context-specific needs, optimize resource allocation through targeted interventions, and prioritize high-risk groups exhibiting unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.