%0 Journal Article
%T Characteristics of Attempted and Completed Suicides During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
%A Flesher N
%A Zayat MN
%A Ablah E
%A Okut H
%A Lightwine K
%A Haan JM
%J Am Surg
%V 89
%N 12
%D 2023 Dec 10
%M 37164366
%F 1.002
%R 10.1177/00031348231173968
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>This study aimed to describe patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A 1-year retrospective review was performed of adult patients admitted for attempted or completed suicide.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.