Change in Forensic Cases Admitted to Emergency Department during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the change in forensic cases admitted to an emergency department after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its adverse effect on all people around the world in various ways. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively in a single center. The sample size included 1645 forensic cases over the age of 18 years admitted to an emergency department between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Ethical approval before the study was obtained from a Local Clinical Research Ethics Committee. The period between 11 March 2020 and 31 December 2020 was considered the COVID-19 pandemic (DP), while the pre-DP period was named BP. The distribution rates of forensic cases in BP versus DP were compared. Results: Both traffic and work accidents were higher in males than females, whereas suicide attempts were higher in females than males (p <0.001). Suicide attempts by both women (BP: 14.9%, DP: 17.4%) and men (BP: 3.7%, DP: 4.9%) showed an increase for DP (p < 0.01). Work accidents were lower in women (BP: 22.3%, DP: 13.4%) and men (BP: 22.5%, DP: 21.1%) in DP than BP (p <0.01). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased suicide rates in both women and men but reduced work accident rates. Suicide rates were higher in women than men. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected people in many ways, including forensic, employment, economic, and psychological aspects.