1. Situation Analysis of Suicide and Self-Harm in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.
- Author
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Erlangsen A, Khan M, Su W, Alateeq K, Charfi F, Madsen T, Qin P, Morthorst BR, Thomsen M, Malik A, Bandara P, Fleischmann A, and Saeed K
- Subjects
- Humans, Mediterranean Region epidemiology, Male, Female, Adult, Adolescent, Young Adult, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Self-Injurious Behavior epidemiology, Self-Injurious Behavior psychology, World Health Organization, Suicide statistics & numerical data, Suicide psychology, Suicide Prevention
- Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2024
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