The first year of the pandemic: social response in the context of causes of death

Abstract

Significance. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a number of social consequences affecting various spheres of life in modern society. Purpose: to assess changes in mortality from causes caused by social stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in a metropolis (Moscow). Material and methods. The analysis is based on data from Federal State Statistics Service and the database of deaths in Moscow (medical death certificates issued to medical organizations of the Moscow Department of Health) for 2019-April 2021. Results. During the COVID-19 pandemic since April 2020, losses from suicides turned out to be lower than in the corresponding months of 2019, however during the period of strict quarantine (April-June 2020), a local maximum of losses was observed. Mortality attributable to alcohol and drug use (poisoning and mental disorders) was characterized by stabilization or insignificant gain during the period of strict quarantine (April-May) with a sharp splash during the exit from it (June 2020), as well as in the fall and winter of 2021. Limitations. The results of the study of the social consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic apply only to Moscow and include deaths only from suicide, alcohol poisoning, drug poisoning, as well as mental disorders associated with alcohol and drug use for the period 2020-2021. Conclusions. A completely logical picture of social stress has formed in Moscow with an acute reaction (suicide) at the first stage of the pandemic and its long-term socio-economic consequences (alcoholism and drug addiction) at subsequent stages, which could not be avoided despite external stabilization life in the capital.