Traumatic Injuries from Suicidal Attempts: The Unseen Impact of Covid-19

Abstract

The Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, caused significant socioeconomic strain and psychological distress, leading to a rise in suicidal attempts. This retrospective study examines 12 cases of traumatic injuries from suicidal attempts treated at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Malaysia, between June and September 2021. The majority of patients were male (median age 27.5 years), with penetrating injuries, primarily stabbings, being the most common mechanism. Other methods included hanging, burns, corrosive ingestion, and falls. The overall mortality rate was 41.7%, with five deaths. This study highlights the lasting impact of the MCO on mental health, emphasizing the need for integrated mental health support and early intervention. While trauma surgeons address the immediate physical consequences, psychological care is essential in preventing such outcomes. The findings call for a collaborative approach between trauma surgery, psychiatry, and public health to address the long-term effects of the crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.