RESUMEN
Some characteristics of the people who deliberately harmed themselves in the Wellington Hospital Board region in 1978, and who were either admitted to hospital or died, are described. Records show 32 people killed themselves and 306 people were admitted to hospital. Twenty-six people were admitted twice. The rate of non-fatal events was nine persons per 10000 population. For fatal events, males and unemployed people were at greater risk. Drugs were used in nine out of 32 cases. The characteristics of people at greater risk in 1978 of non-fatal deliberate self-harm were female; aged 15 to 24 years if female and 15 to 29 years if male; unemployed, sickness beneficiary or in a service occupation; domiciled in the inner city; and separated from their spouse. Drugs were used in 96.5 percent of non-fatal events. The length of stay in hospital for 48.5 percent of admissions was one day.