Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide Attempts: A Comparative and Retrospective Study from a Forensic Medicine Centre in Antalya, Türkiye.

Abstract

Background: Understanding the dynamics of suicide attempts during the pandemic, especially in vulnerable subgroups, is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Aim: The primary objectives were to analyse the prevalence of suicide attempts during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, explore demographic shifts, and assess the impact of specific pandemic stressors on suicide attempts from both forensic and clinical perspectives.

Methods: Two distinct periods were considered: the pre-pandemic period spanning January 2018 to February 2020 and the pandemic period from March 2020 to June 2021. Data collection involved retrospective analysis of forensic reports for cases of suicide attempts during the specified periods.

Results: During the pandemic period, a decrease in frequency of total suicide attempts was observed compared to the pre-pandemic period. The median age of suicide attempters was lower during the pandemic (29 vs. 25, z = -5.420, P < 0.001), with increased rates among adolescents and young adults. Foreign nationals experienced significantly lower suicide attempt rates during the pandemic (χ²(1) = 21.298, P < 0.001). Suicide methods showed pandemic-related shifts, with significantly increased use of prescription medications (χ²(10) = 41.299, P < 0.001). Individuals with a prior psychiatric diagnosis demonstrated a decrease in suicide attempts during the pandemic (χ²(1) = 44.635, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for nuanced suicide prevention strategies that consider age, gender, and household dynamics. Future research, ideally longitudinal and multi-centred, is warranted to comprehensively understand the prolonged effects of the pandemic on suicide behaviour.