ThP7.12 - Penetrating Neck Injuries as a form of deliberate self-harm: A Pre and Post COVID-19 Comparison

Abstract Introduction In March 2020, the UK government implemented the first national lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. Despite success at curbing infection rates, early studies suggested a rise mental health issues, including an increased incidence of violent self-harm. This included penetrating neck injuries. Limited research is available on the pandemic’s effect on self-harm in the UK. Methods Data was collected from self-harm major trauma activations to a regional trauma centre, between 01/01/17 to 31/12/22. All patients identified with neck-related self-harm injuries were included. Demographic information and injury data was grouped for analysis into pre-COVID-19 (2017-19), and post-COVID-19 outbreak (2020-22) groups. Results Penetrating neck injuries due to self-harm, post-2019, increased fourfold (12 vs 47). Men were the majority in both periods, but women had a larger proportional increase (men 10 vs 34, women 2 vs 13). Mean ages of Men presenting increased (Men 44 vs 53, Women 36 vs 35) Conclusions The frequency of self-harm related neck injuries increased following lock down. Older men were most likely to present, however there was an associated rise in the number of women. We must further investigate the impact the pandemic had on the population’s mental health and tendency towards violent self-harm, particularly in older men.