ORCID

Abstract

Background: Better understanding factors leading to suicide and prevention opportunities is a global public health priority. This qualitative pilot study tested whether reviewing inquest recordings could generate insights during COVID-19 and inform public health prevention programmes across a predominantly rural and coastal area where there are significant health inequalities. Methods: Fifty-five inquest recordings reached a suicide conclusion between March 2020 and January 2021. Stratified sampling was used to obtain two samples from each month. Template analysis was employed to thematically analyse data from 30 inquests. Results: Risk factors during this period were social isolation, anxiety, difficulty in routine creation and maintenance, low mood and economic impact. Remote working in a more rural/coastal area impacted both healthcare service users and staff. Lockdown and other multiple risk factors impacted those at increased risk of poor mental health and suicide. Conclusions: There is a need to identify those at risk and with deteriorating mental health. All age trauma-informed approaches are needed to prevent individuals from reaching crisis along with more equitable services and community support due to the complex nature of suicide. This requires consideration of digital access/exclusion, training, continuity of care and enhanced care of those with additional needs and multiple vulnerabilities.

Publication Date

2025-12-25

Publication Title

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Volume

23

Issue

1

ISSN

1661-7827

Acceptance Date

2025-12-19

Deposit Date

2026-01-07

Funding

No grant was received from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Keywords

suicide, rural, coastal, surveillance, mental health, public health, pandemic

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