Suicidological analysis of Moscow and Saint Petersburg in the context of the pandemic

Abstract

Suicide mortality in Moscow and St. Petersburg the two most populated federal cities of Russia is not characterized enough, on the other hand, these cities have been mostly affected by the pandemic. Goal. To analyze the latest trends in suicidal behavior in the historic capitals of Russia in the course of an observational study, taking into account the dynamics of pandemic waves. Methods. Monthly numbers of suicides (date of death, sex, age, method), general number in Moscow 1558 cases, in St. Petersburg 2077 cases for the period from January 01, 2016, to September 30 2021 were used to calculate frequencies and to analyze tendencies across sex-age groups. Statistics were based on Z-criterion, confidence intervals were calculated as per Wilson. Results. Moscow and St. Petersburg belong to regions with low (lower than the world average) suicide rates. Suicide mortality in both capitals is declining, more pronounced in Moscow. In St. Petersburg, higher rates are registered among both males and females as compared with Moscow. After a brief decline in the suicide rate during the first quarantines, in 2021, as new waves of the pandemic arrived, the decline in Moscow stopped, while in St. Petersburg a gradual increase began, reaching significant levels amongst men in September. The structure of self-harm methods has changed due to a decrease in the most traditional (hanging) and an increase in the proportion of falls from a height, self-poisoning, and self-cutting. More detailed analysis of such urban method of suicides as falling from height revealed that in 2021 in St. Petersburg a category of persons was revealed among whom this method has grown dramatically males over 60. Conclusions Suicides among the urbanized population of Russia's largest metropolitan areas demonstrate recent trends during the pandemic raise concerns, the structure of mortality and the methods of self-harm are changing. Further monitoring and activation of preventive measures are needed, especially in St. Petersburg.