Epidemiology of suicide and suicide attempts in Jahrom district, Southern Iran in light of COVID pandemic: A prospective observational study

Background and Aims Suicide is a global public health issue. The covid-19 epidemic has led to disturbance in daily life and economic activity. It is assumed that increased stress and anxiety cause suicide. This study aimed to describe the causes and methods of committing suicide during the COVID pandemic. Methods This descriptive study was conducted on all outpatients, inpatients, and those who died during the period from March 21, 2021 to March 20, 2022 due to suicide attempts, referred to hospitals and clinics affiliated with Jahrom University of Medical Sciences or were identified by the social emergency and welfare organization. Results A total of 330 suicide attempters with an average age of 26.74 ± 0.64 years were studied. They were 220 women (66.67%), 159 single (48.18%), and 309 (73.64%) people who had diplomas and high school degrees. In general, the three main reasons for committing suicide were emotional issues and problems with 169 people (51.21%), family violence with 127 people (38.48%), and economic issues and problems with 90 people (27.27%). In terms of suicide manners, 283 people (85.76%) used medicine (or pharmaceuticals), 16 people (4.85%) used agricultural pesticides, and 11 people (3.33%) used rodenticides. Furthermore, 164 people (49.70%) suffered from depression, 94 people (28.49%) were children of divorce, 60 people (18.18%) were drug users, 151 people (45.76%) had a history of alcohol consumption, and 116 people (35.15%) had a history of committing suicide. A total of 6 cases of complete suicide (leading to death) have occurred. Conclusion The most important factors for suicide throughout the covid-19 epidemic were emotional issues, marital incompatibility, and economic issues. Medicine poisoning was the most important method of committing suicide. In times of crisis, a multisectoral public health approach is needed to prevent increased anxiety, stress, and subsequent suicide attempts.