Mortalité par suicide et par intoxication aux drogues ou aux médicaments dans la première année de la pandémie de COVID-19 : utilisation des données des médecins légistes à des fins de santé publique en Nouvelle-Écosse
- DOI
- Language of the publication
- French
- Date
- 2022
- Type
- Accepted manuscript
- Author(s)
- Schleihauf, Emily
- Bowes, Matthew J.
- Publisher
- L'Agence de la santé publique du Canada
Abstract
Introduction: Methods: Results: Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic and governmental responses have raised concerns about any corresponding rise in suicide and/or drug toxicity mortality due to exacerbations of mental illness, economic issues, changes to drug supply, ability to access harm reduction services, and other factors.
Data were obtained from the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service. Case definitions were developed, and their performance characteristics assessed. Pre-pandemic trends in monthly suicide and drug toxicity deaths were modelled and the observed numbers of deaths in the pandemic year compared to expected numbers.
There was a significant reduction in suicide deaths in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia, with about 21 fewer non-drug toxicity suicide deaths than expected in March 2020 to February 2021 (risk ratio = 0.82). No change in drug toxicity mortality was detected. Case definitions were successfully applied to free-text cause of death statements and cases where cause and manner of death remained under investigation.
Processes for case classification and monitoring can be implemented in collaboration with medical examiners/coroners for timely, ongoing public health surveillance of suicide and drug toxicity mortality. Medical examiners and coroners are the stewards of a wealth of data that could inform the prevention of further deaths; it is time to engage these systems in public health surveillance.
Subject
- Health,
- Coronavirus diseases,
- Drug addiction,
- Suicide
Rights
Pagination
67-76
Peer review
Yes
Open access level
Green
Identifiers
- ISSN
- 2368-7398
Article
- Journal title
- Promotion de la santé et prévention des maladies chroniques au Canada : Recherche, politiques et pratiques
- Journal volume
- 42
- Journal issue
- 2
Relation
- Is translation of:
- https://open-science.canada.ca/handle/123456789/468
Citation(s)
Schleihauf E, Bowes Mj. Mortalité par suicide et par intoxication aux drogues ou aux médicaments dans la première année de la pandémie de COVID-19 : utilisation des données des médecins légistes à des fins de santé publique en Nouvelle-Écosse. Promotion de la santé et prévention des maladies chroniques au Canada. 2022;42(2):67-76. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.42.2.02f