Comparison of Monthly Characteristics of Adolescent Suicide Attempts Before, During and After COVID-19
10.22722/KJPM.2024.32.2.64
- Author:
Sujin YOO
1
;
Hanjin CHO
;
Boram CHAE
;
Han Na KIM
;
Ju Yeon JEE
;
Ho-Kyoung YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
2024;32(2):64-69
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:：This study aimed to investigate the monthly characteristics of suicide attempts among adolescents considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:：From 2018 to 2023, patients who arrived at Korea University Ansan Hospital’s emergency depart-ment following a suicide attempt were categorized by age, with adolescents defined as those aged 18 and below.These patients were then compared across three periods: pre COVID-19, COVID-19 period, and post COVID-19 periods.
Results:：From January 2018 to December 2023, a total of 3,008 patients who attempted suicide visited the emergency room. Among them, 333 (11.1%) were adolescents. In the overall sample, the proportion of suicide attempts in January increased during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, while the proportion in September decreased. Among adolescents, the proportion of suicide attempts in August decreased after COVID-19 compared to before.
Conclusions:：Our findings highlight a concerning increase in suicide attempts among teenagers, showing a cor-relation with the academic semester after COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding and addressing this trend are paramount for effective suicide risk management strategies moving forward.
