Trends in emergency department visits for suicide attempts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: A nationwide study, 2016–2021

There is increasing concern that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will result in excess suicides by increasing known risk factors, such as suicide attempts. However, evidence on the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on suicide attempts is lacking. We aimed to assess the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with suicide attempts in emergency departments (EDs) and to evaluate age- and sex-specific differences. We conducted nationwide cross-sectional study among patients with suicide attempts in the ED from 2016 to 2021. The trend test were used to determine whether study subjects were affected by changes in ED visits for suicide attempts. We estimated the average annual percentage change (APC) stratified by sex and age groups. The number of ED visits related to suicide attempts increased from 27,581 in 2016 to 37,719 in 2021. In particular, it decreased immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic but increased again in 2021. We identified that the average APC increased by 6.8 % overall, 1.6 % among males, and 10.8 % among females. Moreover, the APC of trend sharply increased in patients aged 10s and 20s. The in-hospital mortality was 3.6 % for females, compared to 9.5 % for males, which showed sex differences. This study was limited to confirming causal relationship based on a descriptive study. The incidence of suicide attempts in ED has increased in Korea. In particular, there was a sharp increase among women, adolescents and young adults. Patient-tailored treatment and preventive medical system for suicide attempts is important. •This descriptive study of 200,792 emergency department visits among patients who attempted suicide showed a steady increase.•In particular, it decreased immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic but increased again in 2021.•The standardized incidence rates of suicide attempts showed a sharp increase among women and 10s and 20s years.•The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may change emergency department visits for suicide attempts.•Furthermore, age- and sex-specific monitoring systems and policies are needed.