Pattern of suicidal deaths in the first month of lockdown at a tertiary care hospital: A time trend analysis

Abstract

Lockdowns and quarantines were set up in various countries around the world to combat the Corona virus pandemic. The pandemic has its mental health consequences which have been aggravated by the lockdown measures. The resulting psychological distress and depression has ultimately led to suicides. This study explores the trends of suicide in the month of the lockdown and compared it with those to the prior months. The study was conducted between 25th January 2020 to 24th April 2020 and March 25th 2019 to April 24th 2019 at Cooch Behar Government Medical College and Hospital, Cooch Behar. 52.1% cases of suicide were recorded in the month of lockdown which increased from 34.1% in February 2020 and 43.1% in March 2020. Most cases of suicide in the period of lockdown were in the second and third decade of life with a male predominance. For the period of lockdown, housewives, businessmen and labourers were found out to be the vulnerable population. A social and public health response in addition to a mental health response is crucial to prevent suicidal behaviour in lockdown period.