Abstract: Objective To investigate the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury ( NSSI ) among adolescents with depression in Nanjing, and to further explore its influencing factors. Methods Adolescents with depression who received treatment at four tertiary or higher-level hospitals in Nanjing from February 2023 to February 2024 were recruited. NSSI in the past year was evaluated according to the criteria stipulated by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Demographic information was collected using a self-designed questionnaire. The Loneliness Rating Scale (LRS), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11th version (BIS-11), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the International Version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEIQ) were applied to evaluate loneliness, impulsivity, childhood trauma and family functions, respectively. Descriptive analysis was conducted to analyze the incidence of NSSI among adolescents with mental disorders. Univariate and multivariate analysis methods were utilized to identify risk factors for NSSI. Results Among the 2 012 adolescents with depression, 762 cases had NSSI, with an incidence rate of 37.87%. Of these, 420 cases had recurrent NSSI and 342 had occasional NSSI. The lower arm and wrist were the most common sites of self-injury (accounting for 39.90%) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the depression severity (OR=4.683), exposure to school violence (OR=5.546), feelings of loneliness (OR=4.958), impulsivity (OR=5.562), childhood trauma (OR=5.181), and dysfunctional family environments during childhood (OR=5.333) were significant risk factors for NSSI among adolescents with depression (all P<0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents with depression in Nanjing is relatively high. In particular, Patients with more severe depression, exposure to school violence, and heightened impulsivity are more likely to engage in NSSI. It is essential to pay close attention to these high-risk groups. Corresponding prevention and control measures should be formulated to reduce the incidence of NSSI.

Key words: Adolescents, Depressive disorder, Non-suicidal self-injury behavior, Influencing factor