Coverage of suicide in traditional media in colombia, before and during the pandemic (2018-2021)

Introduction: The WHO made recommendations for the responsible publication of news about suicide, after the evidence of the effects of imitation of this behavior due to its inadequate transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on the mental health of the human population, generating states of frank vulnerability. The main objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of news about suicide published in traditional mass media in Colombia, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018-2021), according to the aforementioned recommendations. Methodology: A documentary study was carried out in which the content of 92 news items on suicide was analyzed. Results: 100% of the news shows deficiencies in following the WHO recommendations, especially in taking advantage of the opportunity to educate the public about suicide (96.7%); using photographs or videos cautiously (98.9%); paying attention when reporting celebrity suicides (100%) and providing information on where to seek help (95.7%). There were differences in the follow-up of the recommendations before and during the pandemic. Discussion: Follow-up to the WHO recommendations in the transmission of news about suicide was very low, which may be a risk factor that increases the probability of occurrence of the Werther effect. Conclusions: Mass media have a high responsibility in the transmission of news about suicide and can contribute decisively in imitation but also in prevention and education about this behavior.