Abstract
BACKGROUND: Suicide is a significant public health issue globally. The patterns and disparities in suicide rates may have changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using epidemiological comparative studies, we can identify how suicide incidence is influenced by risk factors such as personal pressures and social support. This study analyses Spanish suicide data during the period from 2017 to 2022 and compares them with previously analysed data from Japan, with the aim of exploring the variability in suicide distribution in both countries. METHODS: We used a retrospective observational design with national-level suicide data from Spain to estimate trends in suicide mortality over this period and compared these data with previously analysed data from Japan. RESULTS: In Spain, no significant changes in suicide rates were found before and after the pandemic period, but notable monthly variations occurred at the pandemic's onset in the youngest age group, highlighting the increase use of poisoning among women until 2020. In Japan, a notable variation was found following the pandemic. Specifically, older age groups and younger women were at higher suicide risk, while the suicide risk transitioned from younger to older ages between 2020 and 2021 among men. These changes are likely attributed to exacerbated socio-economic factors. A similar trend was observed in both countries based on sex with a different influence noted for women. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers detailed insight into the patterns and circumstances of suicide in these countries, offering a basis for future interventions and preventive measures. These comparisons emphasize the critical nature of suicide and underline the necessity for enhanced prevention efforts.