Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide Rates in Vidisha: A Record and Verbal autopsy Based Mixed Method Study

Abstract

COVID-19 came as a challenge to the world. Several ad hoc measures were adopted by countries to control the spread of the virus. These measures involved lockdowns which encompassed the closure of workplaces, entertainment places, and schools, loss of jobs, loss of income and inability to leave the house. These led to an increase in mental health issues in the population ultimately leading to an increased incidence of suicides. This study was done to identify the prevalence of suicide cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Vidisha district and to find various reasons and perceptions behind the suicides that happened during the COVID-19 period. First-order family members of 11 deceased individuals were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. It was found that the number of suicides during-COVID period increased to more than 1.5 times the pre-COVID number. This might be due to the unavailability of poison due to the lockdown, that the number of hanging cases increased more as compared to poison. Females had a significant association between the manner of suicide and the period. Pandemic-associated lockdown closure of economic activities, isolation and increased domestic conflicts were found to be the major factors that were responsible for suicides during the pandemic. Studies also showed that suicide is perceived as a weakness and a quick escape from problems.