COVID-19 suicide and its causative factors among the healthcare professionals: Case study evidence from press reports

28, January 2021 | Bangladesh

Authors:

Abstract

Purpose: Recent research has demonstrated the psychological impact of the cor- onavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic among the general population. How- ever, COVID‐19‐related suicides among healthcare professionals (HCPs) have yet to be investigated. Findings: The present study utilized retrospective press media suicide reports and identified a total of 26 worldwide HCP COVID‐19‐related suicide cases (aged 22–60 years; 14 females; most of the cases from India). The cases comprised doctors (n = 11), nurses (n = 9), paramedics (n = 5), and one medical student. Being infected with the COVID‐19 was the most common suicide reason, followed by work‐related stress, and fear related to COVID‐19 infection/transmission. Among the eight cases diagnosed with COVID‐19, most were female (n = 6), and either doctors (n = 4) or nurses (n = 4). Practice Implications: The present findings will be helpful for human resources departments in healthcare workplaces in ensuring HCP's mental wellbeing.