The impact of covid-19 on suicide 24 months before and after the start of the covid-19 pandemic using interrupted time series analysis: A national study

Objective(s): The COVID-19 pandemic has had a prolonged impact on mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, its effect on suicide trends remains diverse. This study aimed to examine suicide rates in Iran before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using data from the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization (ILMO), suicide trends were analyzed from March 2010 to March 2021. Key predictive variables, including age and gender, were extracted from the ILMO database. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was employed to assess the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and monthly suicide rates. Results: A total of 50,174 cases of intentional suicide were recorded. The mean (SD) age of individuals who died by suicide was 34.1 (15.1) years, with males accounting for 71% of the cases. The change in trend and slope of suicide rates before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was not statistically significant (p = 0.931). Conclusion: Although the overall suicide trend in Iran is increasing, national crises may further exacerbate this issue. Therefore, raising awareness about mental health and implementing suicide prevention strategies during epidemics and other crises can play a crucial role in reducing psychological distress and suicide rates.