Introduction
There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID‐19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study.
Material and methods
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively.
Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.
Results
Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed.
Conclusions
The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.
Objectives: Suicidal activity is one of the criteria of quality of life and important social status component of society. Known, that cause of most so-called "death from accidents" (drugs overdose, road accidents, falling from height etc.) is actually a suicide. Purpose: Verify real cause of accidents death for further suicide prevention. Methods: We analyzed the suicide average value in Ukraine last 5 years. Results: In 2009 compared to 2008 the number of suicides increased by 2,7% (259 cases) to 9717 cases (+ 5%) in Ukraine. In 2010, number of suicides dropped to 9500 cases. In 2011 8952 cases (19,6 per 100 000 population) in Ukraine committed suicide. During 2012 and 2013 recorded growth of suicidal activity (9060 cases or 19.9 in 2012 VS 9551 case or 20.6 in 2013). But we saw a decrease in total number of suicides hidden due to traffic accidents (5817 cases or 12.8 in 2012 and 5353 cases or 11.8 in 2013), accidental alcohol poisoning (4597 cases or 10.1 VS 3988 cases or 8.8) and other substances (2066 cases or 4.5 VS 1871 cases, or 4 1). While the overall increase in suicides in 2013 was +0.7, a decrease of hidden suicides due to these reasons reached-2.7 per 100 thousand population. Additionally, we noted a decrease in suicides by 2.4% over last 5 years. Conclusions: Increase in suicidal activity over past two years have caused a redistribution of deaths in home by reducing hidden suicides, such as traffic accidents, alcohol poisoning and other substances.
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