Non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

This study sought to determine the explanatory variables behind suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The sample comprised 4797 adults, who filled out a series of standardized instruments and additional questions on COVID-19 exposure (self and others), self-injury, and suicidal behavior. One in 10 participants reported self-injury, and three in 10 had considered or attempted suicide. The factors associated with self-injury and suicidal behavior were lower educational level, younger age, chronic diseases, and anxiety. The factors associated with suicidal behavior were regular employment, living alone, and Black ethnicity.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.