Changes in self-harm and suicide in California from 2017-2021: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced stressors that may have altered self-harm and suicide risks.
• A rise in firearm purchasing during the pandemic could have increased firearm suicide risk.

Approach:

• Examined changes in fatal and nonfatal intentional self-harm counts and rates in California during 2020-2021 compared to 2017-2019.
• Utilized California death data and UC-wide hospital data, analyzing sociodemographic groups and methods of harm.

Key Points:

• Overall suicide rates decreased, primarily among males, white, and middle-aged Californians.
• Black Californians and young people (10-19) experienced increased suicide rates.
• Firearm suicide proportion increased, with higher likelihoods among females, young adults (20-29), and Black Californians.
• Nonfatal self-harm increased among young people, females, and Hispanic Californians.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic's impact on self-harm and suicide risk was varied across California's population.
• Marginalized racial groups, females, and younger individuals faced heightened risks for self-harm, especially involving firearms.
• Targeted public health interventions and policies are crucial to prevent self-harm injuries and address related inequities.