Situation Analysis of Suicide and Self-Harm in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftReviewForskningfagfællebedømt

Objective
An estimated 41,000 lives are lost to suicide each year in World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (WHO EMRO) countries. The objective of this study was to conduct a situation analysis for suicide and self-harm in the WHO EMRO region.

Methods
Data on suicide were obtained from the WHO Global Health Estimates for the years 2000–2019. Information on risk groups efforts to prevent self-harm and suicide in the EMRO region were retrieved through scientific studies, grey literature, and public websites.

Results
During 2000–2019, the age-standardized suicide rate was 6.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, albeit there are concerns regarding data quality. Self-harm and suicide remain criminal acts in more than half of the countries. Few countries have a national plan for prevention of suicide. Toxic agents, such as pesticides and black henna, are easily available and frequently used for suicide in some areas, as are firearms and self-immolation. Successful prevention measures include means restriction and psychosocial interventions after self-harm.

Conclusion
Many WHO EMRO countries remain underserved in terms of mental health care. Decriminalization of suicide and means restriction might be further promoted. Online-based tools for mental health literacy and psychosocial therapy are other options to explore.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftArchives of Suicide Research
Antal sider19
ISSN1381-1118
DOI
StatusAccepteret/In press - 2023

Bibliografisk note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 International Academy for Suicide Research.

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