Risk of Suicide Attempts and Self-Directed Violence after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Outcomes from an Emulated Trial of a Nationwide Observational Matched Cohort of US Veterans
Authors: Hynes Denise M. , Niederhausen Meike , Chen Jason , Shahoumian Troy A. , Rowneki Mazhgan , Hickok Alex , Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Hawkins Eric J. , Naylor Jennifer , Teo Alan , Govier Diana J. , Berry Kristin , McCready Holly , Osborne Thomas F. , Wong Edwin , Hebert Paul L. , Smith Valerie A. , Bowling C. Barrett , Boyko Edward J. , Ioannou George N. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , O’Hare Ann M. , Viglianti Elizabeth M. , Bohnert Amy S-B. ,   the VA HSR&D COVID Observational Research Collaboratory (CORC)
Published: December 2022

Importance

The negative health-related effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection may include increased risk for self-directed violence.

Objective

To assess suicide attempts and other self-directed violence risk among US Veterans with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to matched uninfected Veterans.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Using a target trial emulation design supported by comprehensive electronic health records from the US Veterans Health Administration, Veterans who had a positive PCR test between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 were matched with non-infected comparators. Monthly matching was anchored to first positive PCR test for each patient. Groups were followed for one-year thereafter.

Exposure

Positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Suicide attempts and self-directed violence documented in electronic health records by a VHA provider. Hazard ratios (HR) for time to first suicide attempt and self-directed violence (separate models) for the infected versus comparator group were measured using Cox regression models. Analyses were performed for short-term (days 1-30), long-term (days 31-365) and one-year (days 1-365) and further stratified by age and prior self-directed-violence history. Sensitivity analyses included censoring to address comparators crossing over by later testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Results

Among the 1,190,974 Veterans included, during the one-year period after the index date; 3,078 (0.258%) had a suicide attempt and 2,887 (0.242%) had self-directed violence. Regardless of follow-up duration, the HRs for suicide attempts and self-directed violence were higher for the infected group. For suicide attempts, short-term HR=2.54 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.05 to 3.15), long-term HR=1.30 (CI: 1.19 to 1.43) and one-year HR= 1.41 (CI: 1.30, 1.54). For self-directed violence, short-term HR=1.94 (CI: 1.51 to 2.49), long-term HR=1.32 (CI: 1.20 to 1.45), and one-year HR=1.38 (CI:1.26, 1.51).

Conclusions and Relevance

In matched cohorts, Veterans who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test had a higher risk of suicide attempt and self-directed violence that were greatest within the first 30 days and present for at least one year following. These findings highlight the importance of assessing patient experiences of suicide attempt and other forms of self-directed violence during different time periods post-infection to identify opportunities to augment prevention efforts and support those affected.

Trial Registration

Not applicable

Key Points

Question

What were the risks of suicide attempts and self-directed violence among US Veterans with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to a matched cohort?

Findings

In this target trial emulation study of a nationwide observational cohort of 1,190,974 matched US Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration from 3/1/2020-3/31/2021, those with a confirmed PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection had increased risk of both suicide attempts and self-directed violence that was greatest within 30 days after infection and persisted over the following year. Over the year, those in the infected group had 1.40 times risk of a suicide attempt and 1.38 times risk of experiencing self-directed violence versus those in the comparison group.

Meaning

COVID-19 survivors may require additional screening and prevention resources for suicide attempts and other forms of self-directed violence.