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Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública

2026, Number 4

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salud publica mex 2026; 68 (4)

Prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury in Mexican adolescents and young adults: national findings from the Encodat 2025

Bustos-Gamiño MN, López-Brambila MÁ, Lazcano-Ponce E, Acosta-Martínez MÁ, Gómez-García L, Orozco-Estrada V, Audiffred-Jaramillo RI, Medina-Mora IME

Language: Spanish
References: 31
Page: 447-456
PDF size: 431.36 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Objective. To estimate the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury in Mexican adolescents and young adults and to characterize the behavior considering sociodemographic variables. Materials and methods. Secondary analysis of Encodat 2025 with a sample of 7 428 Mexican adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 29 years. Results. The national prevalence of NSSI at some point was 7.1%, starting at 13 years on average. The main method of self-injury was cutting, and the most frequent site was the upper extremities. 19.1% required medical treatment due to injuries. Women, adolescents, residents of Mexico City, and those who study and/or work or are not in employment, education, or training had a higher probability of NSSI. Conclusion. Preventive actions with adolescents, reinforcing their emotional regulation tools, as well as within their social context, are a priority.


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