Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on global health. Apart from the disease itself, the strict restrictions and lockdowns enforced to minimize its spread have also substantially disrupted personal and public health. Methods: An analysis of forensic autopsy investigations was conducted between 2019 and 2022 on a selected urban population in Colombo, Sri Lanka, assessing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality within these communities. Results: During the COVID-19 restrictions, there was a 2.5-fold increase in the total number of deaths, with a significantly higher percentage of female deaths than before. The majority of these deaths were due to cardiovascular causes, while COVID-19-related deaths ranked third overall. The highest proportion of COVID-19 deaths occurred among unvaccinated females. The monthly frequency of deaths from traffic accidents, poisoning, and asphyxiation decreased, while deaths from blunt trauma, sharp trauma, burns, and immersion increased. There was also a rise in blunt homicides and a greater number of femicides during the COVID-19 restrictions than in the pre-pandemic period. A significantly higher percentage of males who received the COVID-19 vaccine died from cardiovascular causes compared to those in the unvaccinated group. Conclusion The significant changes in mortality demographics and causes of death within this community during the COVID-19 restrictions underscore the disruption in healthcare, health-seeking behavior, and social interactions during this period. The vulnerability of individuals residing in highly urbanized areas with lower socioeconomic status, particularly women, is brought into sharp focus.

The increased usage of digital platforms for communication and networking, particularly after the pandemic has caused concern about exposure to bullying and sexual harassment, particularly among young children and adolescents. Cyberbullying (CB) and cyber sexual harassment (CSH), although considered less harmful by many, may cause graver psychological manifestations than their physical forms, due to their potential for wider reach, easier access to private and sensitive information, ability to conceal perpetrator identity and continuous exposure of the victim to the harmful acts. Among the various characteristics, there were differences between age groups and gender, as well as varied psychological and behavioral features among victims and perpetrators which included low self-esteem, low academic performance and interestingly, some victims who themselves, later engage in perpetrating CB on others. The strategies for the prevention of CB and CSH are similar to that of the traditional forms, which predominantly include raising awareness among students, teachers and parents. This article reviews the characteristics of CB and CSH and discusses the limitations in existing laws and statutes in combating CB and CSH while highlighting the need for improving the policies and guidelines on CB and CSH among educational institutions and workplaces.
Psychology, Adolescent ; Gender-Based Violence