Impact of immediate post SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on suicide in northern Tunisia

Abstract

Suicide is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by pre-existing mental disorders and by the occurrence of detrimental societal changes. The stress related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as well as the health prevention measures had a negative psychological impact on certain vulnerable populations. Our aim was to investigate suicidal trends and to compare suicide decedent’s profile before and after the lockdown. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted including all suicides that occurred in the north of Tunisia during the study period. Suicidal trends, were studied using an interrupted time series analysis while suicide decedent’s profile was compared between the study period from 24/05/2020 to 31/08/2020 and this same period of the previous five years. Interrupted Time Series Analysis showed a sporadic variation without significant peaks while the comparative study showed a significant increase, among suicide decedents after the lockdown, of individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders particularly mood disorders, suicidal attempts, alcohol and cannabis use and professional instability. We also observed an increase in suicides by hanging and precipitation against a decrease in immolations and intoxications. Our study highlights the importance of mental health promotion during health crises and of prevention especially among vulnerable people.