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Has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced suicide rates differentially according to socioeconomic indices and ethnicity? More evidence is needed globally

Dekel, D; Eyles, E; Marchant, A; Mughal, F; Webb, RT; John, A; Knipe, D; Bojanić, L; Gunnell, D; Pirkis, J; Schmidt, L

Has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced suicide rates differentially according to socioeconomic indices and ethnicity? More evidence is needed globally Thumbnail


Authors

D Dekel

E Eyles

A Marchant

RT Webb

A John

D Knipe

L Bojanić

D Gunnell

J Pirkis

L Schmidt



Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed many people's mental health globally. Whilst the evidence generated thus far from high-income countries regarding the pandemic's impact on suicide rates is generally reassuring, we know little about its influence on this outcome in lower- and middle-income countries or among marginalised and disadvantaged people. There are some signals for concern regarding the pandemic's potentially unequal impact on suicide rates, with some of the affected demographic subgroups and regions being at elevated risk before the pandemic began. However, the evidence-base for this topic is currently sparse, and studies conducted to date have generally not taken account of pre-pandemic temporal trends. The collection of accurate, complete and comparable data on suicide rate trends in ethnic minority and low-income groups should be prioritised. The vulnerability of low-income groups will likely be exacerbated further by the current energy supply and cost-of-living crises in many countries. It is therefore crucial that reassuring messaging highlighting the stability of suicide rates during the pandemic does not lead to complacency among policymakers.</jats:p>

Acceptance Date Sep 11, 2022
Publication Date Oct 11, 2022
Journal Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences
Print ISSN 2045-7960
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Pages 1-4
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/s2045796022000543
Publisher URL https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-psychiatric-sciences/article/has-the-covid19-pandemic-influenced-suicide-rates-differentially-according-to-socioeconomic-indices-and-ethnicity-more-evidence-is-needed-globally/6853629FE7A68EB481E5C0

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