Sociodemographic Characteristics and Patterns of Suicide in Pakistan: An Analysis of Current Trends

• DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01086-7
• Publication Date: 2023-01-07T11:03:47Z
• Authors: Sadiq Naveed; Sania Mumtaz Tahir; Nazish Imran; Bariah Rafiq; Maryam Ayub; Imran Ijaz Haider; Murad Moosa Khan
• Keywords: Male; Suicide Prevention; Original Paper; Motivation; 1. No poverty; 3. Good health; Suicide; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 5. Gender equality; Humans; Female; Pakistan; Marriage

Suicide is a global phenomenon with about 79% of suicides occurring in low and middle-income countries. This study investigated current trends, demographics, and characteristics of completed suicides based on reports from leading Pakistani Newspapers. This study performed a qualitative analysis of completed suicides in Pakistan's four newspapers from January 1st, 2019, through December 31st, 2020. Data about socio-demographic characteristics, methods of suicide, possible motives, and associated features were analyzed. 2295 suicides were reported in Pakistan during 2019 and 2020. About 61.87% were completed by men, and 38.12% by women. The most suicides occurred in individuals ages < 30 years. The predominant method of suicide in this group was ingestion of poisonous substances. The most commonly reported reasons for suicide were domestic conflicts, financial problems, and failure in love/marriage. By providing insight into characteristics of suicide, this study highlights the need for effective suicide prevention policies and programs to tackle rising rates of suicide in Pakistan.