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

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.42.2.02f

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:
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.

Methods:
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.

Results:
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.

Conclusion:
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

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

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Collection(s)

Public health surveillance

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