Prevalence of Suicide and Self-harm During the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic: A Systematic Review Study

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran

4 Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University of Najaf Abad Branch, Isfahan, Iran

5 Department of General Psychology, Allameh Tabatabaei University Campus, Tehran, Iran

10.30491/ijbs.2022.353827.1832

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 epidemic, many people around the world committed suicide and self-harm due to psychological disorders. For this purpose, studies on the prevalence of self-harm and suicide attempt during COVID-19 have been reviewed in the present study.
Method: In this review study the following specialized keywords were searched between 2020 (May) and 2022 (January) in English databases such as Google Scholar, ISI, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed:  suicide, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, self-harm, self-injury, self-harm deliberate, COVID-19.
Results: The results showed that the prevalence of suicide (2%-71.9%) and self-harm (2%-47.6%) during COVID-19 has increased significantly compared to the past. Economic problems, young age, being a woman, unemployment, family problems, loneliness, and psychological distress were among the factors that aggravated self-harm and suicide attempt during COVID-19. In contrast, social support, resilience, psychological resilience, and spiritual health reduced suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, lack of access to a psychologist was one of the important reasons for thoughts and behaviors related to self-harm and suicide during COVID-19 epidemic. For this reason, it is necessary for psychological centers, hospitals, and related organizations to take measures in order to increase tele-mental health services.

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 16, Issue 3
November 2022
Pages 183-190

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