Suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic: comparing frequencies in three population groups, 9.2 million people overall

There are observations that right after total quarantine measures were introduced, there was no growth in number of suicides, but a situation remains unclear when it comes down to new waves the pandemic development. Our research goal estimate risks suicide heterogeneous population groups 2020, is, from start and up second wave rise. We analyzed data on completed suicides Saint Petersburg, Udmurtia Republic (Russia), Odessa region (Ukraine), 6,375 cases overall among with people being equal 9,216 thousand starting January 01, 2016 December 31, 2020. Confidence intervals for frequencies as per months (per 100,000 people) 2020 calculated Wilson compared average ones 2016–2019. decrease frequency all three during period strictest valid; by mid-summer trend normalized or even slight increase. When came, changes multidirectional; particular, Petersburg another end year, most apparent statistically significant men whereas short-term rises Odessa. comparison performed initially different levels confirms crisis starts, suicidal behavior becomes less frequent people; however, response wave, we can expect both falls requires more intense preventive activities.