@article{ref1,
title="Characteristics of attempted and completed suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic",
journal="American surgeon",
year="2023",
author="Flesher, Nathan and Zayat, Marisa-Nicole and Ablah, Elizabeth and Okut, Hayrettin and Lightwine, Kelly and Haan, James M.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. <br><br>METHODS: A 1-year retrospective review was performed of adult patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide. <br><br>RESULTS: Of the 30 patients included, most injuries involved firearms (37%) and cutting/piercing (30%). Sixty-three percent of patients presented with an Injury Severity Score ≥16, and 37% of injuries involved the head. Upon admission, an alcohol test was completed for 83% of patients, 56% of whom tested positive. Thirty percent of patients died from their injuries, with all but one involving a firearm. Most of those who survived to discharge (62%) were discharged to an inpatient behavioral health facility. <br><br>DISCUSSION: The current study indicated a large proportion of suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic involved firearms and alcohol use. These findings point to the need for interventions aimed at preventing suicide and substance abuse during pandemic situations.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0003-1348",
doi="10.1177/00031348231173968",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00031348231173968"
}