Self-harm consultations during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic: study in four Argentine provinces

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns on suicide behavior has been a matter of debate. Self-harm consultations to emergency departments are a way to analyze suicidal behavior. The objective was to describe and analyze self-harm consultations, comparing the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with secondary source analysis in three general hospitals and three neuropsychiatric hospitals from four Argentine provinces. Consultations reported in February, July and October over the analyzed period were considered for the study. Data gathered included sociodemographic variables and those related to the self-harm event. Relative frequencies and rates were used for the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 411 self-harm consultations were included in the analysis, 73% of them were from the pre-pandemic period. Consultation rates were higher in the pandemic period, with a particularly significant increase in neuropsychiatric hospitals. Referral to another facility was higher during the pandemic. Poisoning was the most frequently used mechanism in both periods, even though it diminished during the pandemic period, when the use of sharp objects increased. DISCUSSION: It is necessary to continue monitoring self-harm consultations, and the differences between demand to general and specialized neuropsychiatric hospitals.