Change in Forensic Cases Admitted to Emergency Department during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the change in forensic cases admitted to an emergency department after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its adverse effect on all people around the world in various ways. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively in a single center. The sample size included 1645 forensic cases over the age of 18 years admitted to an emergency department between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Ethical approval before the study was obtained from a Local Clinical Research Ethics Committee. The period between 11 March 2020 and 31 December 2020 was considered the COVID-19 pandemic (DP), while the preDP period was named as BP. The distribution rates of forensic cases in BP versus DP were compared. Results: Both traffic and work accidents were higher in males than females, whereas suicide attempts were higher in females than males (p<0.001). Suicide attempts by both women (BP: 14.9%, DP: 17.4%) and men (BP: 3.7%, DP: 4.9%) showed an increase for DP (p<0.01). Work accidents were lower in women (BP: 22.3%, DP: 13.4%) and men (BP: 22.5%, DP: 21.1%) in DP than BP (p<0.01). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased suicide rates in both women and men but reduced work accident rates. Suicide rates were higher in women than men. The COVID19 pandemic has negatively affected people in many ways, including forensic, employment, economic, and psychological aspects.