Demography and risk factors of suicide deaths in Pakistan: A twelve-month content analysis study

Mahesar, Rameez Ali; Chandio, Dastar Ali; Latif, Muhammad; Abbas, Salbia; Shabbir, Taha

doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103364

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Regarding the location of suicidal events, this study indicated that the majority of incidents (76.4%) occurred within individuals’ homes during the flood period. This study’s findings underscored familial disharmony as a major risk factor for suicide (31.7%), aligning with prior studies 5 . Unlike Western societies where mental disorders predominate, non-Western settings, particularly South Asian cultures, emphasize interpersonal relationship problems 3 .…”

supporting

confidence: 86%

“…This study's findings underscored familial disharmony as a major risk factor for suicide (31.7%), aligning with prior studies. 5 Unlike Western societies where mental disorders predominate, non-Western settings, particularly South Asian cultures, emphasize interpersonal relationship problems. 3 Interestingly, depression contributed to 10.5% of suicidality cases, contrasting with European studies showing heightened post-flood depression.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring suicidality in the aftermath of the 2022 flood in Pakistan: insights from newspaper reports

Mahesar¹,

Shaikh²,

Rajar³

et al. 2023

CNS Spectr.

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To the Editor:Pakistan, prone to various natural disasters and climate change impacts, has long grappled with mitigating the effects of events like typhoons, droughts, floods, and earthquakes. Among these, the catastrophic 2022 flood stands out as a severe and impactful event. Lasting from mid-June to mid-September, it was the worst of its kind in decades, affecting an estimated 33 million people, claiming over 1700 lives, and causing extensive infrastructure and agricultural damage. The province of Sindh bore the brunt, experiencing 471% more rainfall than the 30-year average and leaving 89 000 individuals displaced, exacerbating food crises and mental health challenges. The consequences of natural disasters extend far beyond the visible physical damage. In the aftermath of such catastrophic events, communities face an array of profound mental health challenges.Floods, in particular, are known to amplify the risk factors for suicidal behavior among those directly exposed to these traumatic events. The loss of lives, financial instability, and the material and personal devastation experienced by individuals during and after floods contribute to their psychological vulnerabilities. 1 These vulnerabilities can push individuals toward contemplating and engaging in suicidal behavior, compounding the already significant toll exacted by the disaster. 2 Despite recognizing the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health impacts of natural disasters, there is a gap in research on the general population's suicidal behavior during Pakistan's monsoon season. To bridge this gap, this study analyzes newspaper reports to shed light on the link between floods, suicidal behavior, and actual incidents. The aim is to provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by the affected population in Pakistan.For suicide report extraction from the media, 12 widely circulated newspapers in Pakistan were chosen: Dawn, Express Tribune, Pakistan Observer, The Nation, The News International, Daily Jeejal, Daily Kawish, Daily Dunia, Daily Sobh, Daily Jang, Nawa-e-Waqt, and Express News. These newspapers report in English, Sindhi, and Urdu. Two authors (H.K. and M.A.M.) conducted a thorough search for news reports on suicidal behavior from June 16 to September 15, 2022, using specific keywords like suicide, flood in Pakistan, depression, rainfall, and so forth involving a web-based search technique on each newspaper's site. After identifying potential news articles, 2 authors (R.A.M. and H.K.) independently extracted data from the selected reports, focusing on relevant information about suicidal behavior. Any disparities in data extraction were resolved through discussion and consensus. The suicide reports were excluded if it was discussing ambiguous suicides, suicide bombings, terrorism, and detailed reports, and were in other reporting genres of editorials, opinions, letters to the editor, book reviews, interviews, articles, feature stories, and unrelated news stories.Out of the 85 reported suicidal cases, t...

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supporting

confidence: 86%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring suicidality in the aftermath of the 2022 flood in Pakistan: insights from newspaper reports

Mahesar¹,

Shaikh²,

Rajar³

et al. 2023

CNS Spectr.

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“…Examination of suicidal behaviour, encompassing self-harm, suicidal ideation and completed suicide, has revealed differences in determinants, risk factors and motivations. In Pakistan, interpersonal issues 9 are prominent factors, along with financial difficulties. 9 One large study reported that suicide was the most common motive for self-harm (86.1%), 10 with higher intent reported among those presenting in a community setting compared with those presenting to a hospital.…”

Section: Determinants and Risk Factors In Suicidal Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Pakistan, interpersonal issues 9 are prominent factors, along with financial difficulties. 9 One large study reported that suicide was the most common motive for self-harm (86.1%), 10 with higher intent reported among those presenting in a community setting compared with those presenting to a hospital. Ingestion of pesticides or toxic chemicals was a frequently reported method of self-harm, particularly among lower socioeconomic strata, youth, females and housewives.…”

Section: Determinants and Risk Factors In Suicidal Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

From despair to hope: tackling Balochistan's suicide crisis with sustainable solutions

Riaz,

Imdad,

Hisam

et al. 2024

BJPsych Int.

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Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, faces a concerning rise in self-harm and suicide, exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges, political instability and events such as climate change and recent suicide bombings. Despite the alarming suicide mortality rate, it remains a neglected public health issue. This perspective paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, including suicide prevention initiatives, community-based mental health services, education and research. We also suggest establishing a suicide prevention task force, inclusion of life skills and mental health education in school and undergraduate curricula, conducting research into self-harm, and fostering empathetic media reporting. Additionally, suggestions for sustainable economic change include job creation, development of marketable skills and interest-free microfinance initiatives to empower the community economically.

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“…Every year, over 700,000 individuals commit suicide, which equates to one person every 40 seconds [13]. Suicide happens throughout existence [14]. It is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally [15].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies among Cancer Patients in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Health Facility-Based Qualitative Study

Bonsra,

Morrison,

Anderson

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Cancer is a global health challenge, impacting millions of lives annually. In Ghana, like many other countries, cancer remains a significant public health concern. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of cancer patients, their coping strategies, and the availability of mental services for cancer patients. Methods This was a qualitative exploratory study which recruited 11 cancer patients and two health professionals from the Ho Teaching Hospital using in-depth interview guides. Data collected were analysed thematically using Atlas Ti 7.5.7. Results Regarding the lived experiences of cancer patients, the study unveiled profound emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis, leading to a sense of devastation, fear, and even suicidal ideation among patients. Ongoing emotional challenges, including persistent depression, treatment-induced stress, and constant anxiety were prevalent throughout the cancer journey. Coping strategies adopted by patients included seeking support from loved ones, immersing themselves in work and avoidance-focused coping mechanisms, such as isolation and denial. We found that while specialized mental health support was mainly lacking for many cancer patients, the role of nurses in providing emotional support was crucial. Conclusion Living with cancer presents profound emotional challenges. Our study underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support services tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients. By addressing barriers which include stigma, limited availability of services, and a shortage of mental health professionals, the country would be making enormous progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 and 10 for ‘Good Health and Well-being’ and ‘Reduced Inequalities.’

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Demography and risk factors of suicide deaths in Pakistan: A twelve-month content analysis study

Cited by 7 publications

References 2 publications

Exploring suicidality in the aftermath of the 2022 flood in Pakistan: insights from newspaper reports

Exploring suicidality in the aftermath of the 2022 flood in Pakistan: insights from newspaper reports

From despair to hope: tackling Balochistan's suicide crisis with sustainable solutions

Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies among Cancer Patients in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Health Facility-Based Qualitative Study

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