Trends of suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic: An autopsy-based study

Abstract

Suicide is a preventable but major public health problem and it has received greater attention during current corona pandemic.The aim of present autopsy-based study is to analyse the trends of suicide and to provide baseline data so as preventive measures can be implemented to prevent such premature deathsThis is a postmortem examination based retrospective study conducted at Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital. The study was conducted through March 2020 to March 2021. Total 387 post-mortem examinations were conducted during this period and out of which 126 suicidal deaths were included in the study.: 126 cases were studied and amongst them 76.19% were male and 23.80% were female. The mean age was 39.97 years. Hanging was preferred method for committing suicide followed by poisoning and drowning.: Higher risk for suicide was observed among male. Increase in the number of suicidal deaths during Covid-19 pandemic is of great concern and needs immediate short term and long-term intervention to prevent these deaths.