Title
Increased suicidal ideation in the COVID-19 pandemic: An employee cohort in Japan
Date Issued
29 November 2021
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Sasaki N.
Kuroda R.
Tsuno K.
Imamura K.
Kawakami N.
Publisher(s)
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Objectives This study investigated the change in suicidal ideation and its risk factors among employees. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, starting with the baseline online survey in March 2020 (T1), followed by May (T2), and August (T3). The change in suicidal ideation from T2 to T3 and relevant factors associated with suicidal ideation at T3 were examined. Suicidal ideation significantly increased between May and August 2020 among females, younger (under 39 years old), highly educated population, and those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were younger age, suicidal ideation at T2, and with pre-existing mental health conditions. Loneliness at T2 showed a significant association with suicidal ideation, if adjusting those without pre-existing mental health conditions. National and community support is needed to target people who are likely to be left behind, such as young people and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, in the pandemic. Method A longitudinal study was conducted with a cohort of full-time employees, starting with the baseline online survey in March 2020 (time point 1), followed by May (time point 2) and August (time point 3). The change in suicidal ideation from time point 2 to 3, and relevant factors associated with suicidal ideation at time point 3, were examined. Results Suicidal ideation significantly increased between time points 2 and 3 among women, younger people (aged <39 years), those who were highly educated and those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were younger age, suicidal ideation at time point 2 and pre-existing mental health conditions. Loneliness at time point 2 showed a significant association with suicidal ideation when adjusting for those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Conclusions National and community support is needed to target people who are likely to be left behind, such as young people, those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those experiencing loneliness, in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volume
7
Issue
6
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Epidemiología
Psiquiatría
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85118509029
Source
BJPsych Open
ISSN of the container
20564724
Sponsor(s)
This work was supported by internal funds of the Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo. The sponsors had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis and interpretation of the data; preparation, review and approval of the manuscript; or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.
N.K. reports receiving grants from Fujitsu Ltd and SBAtWork Corporation; personal fees from the Occupational Health Foundation, Japan Dental Association, Sekisui Chemicals, Junpukai Health Care Center and Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and non-financial support from Japan Productivity Center, outside the submitted work. All other authors claim no conflicts of interest.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus