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Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on self-harm and violence among patients presenting to the emergency department.
Bhattaram, Suhrith; Shinde, Varsha S; Lamba, Ishan; Gladwin, Rebecca S; Sharma, Kadainti Venkata Subbaraya.
  • Bhattaram S; Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India.
  • Shinde VS; Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India. Electronic address: varsha.shinde@dpu.edu.in.
  • Lamba I; Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India. Electronic address: drishanlamba@yahoo.com.
  • Gladwin RS; Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India.
  • Sharma KVS; Sivadurga Residency, HIG 216&217, Kukatapally, Hyderabad 500072, India.
Am J Emerg Med ; 51: 262-266, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1827781
ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE Considering the resurgence of COVID19 and the rapid spread of new and deadlier strains across the globe understanding the incidence and pattern of violence and self harm tendencies during this period might help in formulating better contingency plans for future lockdowns. A deeper look at the available data shows that there is a significant dearth of research into self-harm & violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the incidence and sociodemographic characteristics of self-harm and violence during the COVID19 lockdown and compare with a control group from the previous year.

DESIGN:

A cross-sectional retrospective observational study.

SETTING:

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS:

All patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with self harm and violence during the COVID-19 lockdown period between March 24-June 30, 2020 and March 24-June 30, 2019. EXPOSURE The COVID-19 lockdown period. MAIN OUTCOME (S) AND MEASURE (S) The hypothesis being tested was formulated before the study. The null hypothesis tested was a decline in number of self-harm and violence cases during the lockdown.

RESULTS:

A total of 828 patients were analysed over both the time periods, out of which 30% (248) were females while 70% (580) were males. Increases in self-harm and violence were 12.71% and 95.32% respectively per 1000 ED admissions. A significant correlation was found between the COVID-19 lockdown and the increased incidence (X2 (1, N = 828) = 9.2, p < .05). An increase of violence by known individuals and between partners was seen. Intimate partner violence also increased to 7%. X2 (3, N = 662) = 21.03, p < .05. In the self harm dataset an increase in mortality, ICU admissions and decision to leave against medical advice was noted (X2 (4, N = 166) = 24.49, p < .05). Increase in the use of alcohol prior to acts of self harm and violence was noted.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increase in the incidence of cases of self-harm and violence reported to the ED was noted during the lockdown period. Upgradation of health-care and law enforcement infrastructure maybe needed to deal with similar circumstances in a more efficient manner. TRIAL REGISTRATION N/A.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Violence / Self-Injurious Behavior / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Am J Emerg Med Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.ajem.2021.11.008

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Violence / Self-Injurious Behavior / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Am J Emerg Med Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.ajem.2021.11.008