COVID-19 and suicides in India: A pilot study of reports in the media and scientific literature

Background: Our objective was to analyze reports of COVID-19 related suicides (CRS) to identify associated factors with a broader goal to inform management and prevention strategies. Methods: We searched scientific literature, government websites and online newspaper reports in English and nine regional languages to identify relevant CRS reports. Results: A total of 151 CRS reports were retrieved. CRS was more frequently reported among males (80.8%), those whose COVID status was unknown (48.0%), and those in quarantine/isolation (49.0%). Conclusion: The above findings may assist identification of at-risk individuals for COVID-19 related suicidal behavior.

Automated summary

The analysis of COVID-19 related suicides (CRS) found that males, those whose COVID status was unknown, and individuals in quarantine/isolation were more frequently affected, providing valuable information for identifying at-risk individuals for COVID-19 related suicidal behavior.