Suicide in health care workers during the covid-19 pandemic in India

ABSTRACT

Background As we all know, the globe, including India, is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It has caused a slew of psychological issues for millions of people. Healthcare workers remain the most vulnerable group only next to the general population for psychological impact due to COVID-19. Though there is an array of psychological issues suicidal behavior as a result of COVID-19 remains an important aspect of identification and management. Objective To assess the prevalence of suicidal behavior in frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The literature search was conducted using a combination of medical subject headings (Mesh) and free text terms. From December 2019 to August 2021, a search was done in all databases with no restriction of language. As a part of the primary screening, the research studies which involved the assessment of depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, traumatic stress, and psychological impact were encompassed. Regardless of the scale used for assessment, studies describing any of the aforementioned results were assessed. Later on, only studies that assessed suicidality were further screened and included in the review. Conclusion Healthcare workers were at high risk of suicidal behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with pre-existing psychiatric illness were at higher risk of developing suicidal ideations. Copyright © 2022, Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.