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. 2023 Dec;89(12):5795-5800.
doi: 10.1177/00031348231173968. Epub 2023 May 10.

Characteristics of Attempted and Completed Suicides During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nathan Flesher  1 , Marisa-Nicole Zayat  1 , Elizabeth Ablah  1 , Hayrettin Okut  1 , Kelly Lightwine  2 , James M Haan  1   2
Affiliations

Characteristics of Attempted and Completed Suicides During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nathan Flesher et al. Am Surg. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to describe patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A 1-year retrospective review was performed of adult patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide.

Results: Of the 30 patients included, most injuries involved firearms (37%) and cutting/piercing (30%). Sixty-three percent of patients presented with an Injury Severity Score ≥16, and 37% of injuries involved the head. Upon admission, an alcohol test was completed for 83% of patients, 56% of whom tested positive. Thirty percent of patients died from their injuries, with all but one involving a firearm. Most of those who survived to discharge (62%) were discharged to an inpatient behavioral health facility.

Discussion: The current study indicated a large proportion of suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic involved firearms and alcohol use. These findings point to the need for interventions aimed at preventing suicide and substance abuse during pandemic situations.

Keywords: COVID-19; attempted suicide; completed suicide; pandemic; self-inflicted injury; trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting InterestThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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