Parasuicide during Ramadan in Jordan.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• National and religious events can influence public behavior and mental health outcomes.
• Previous studies suggest a correlation between significant events and changes in parasuicide rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effect of Ramadan, a significant religious and national event, on parasuicide rates in Jordan.
• To compare parasuicide occurrences during Ramadan with adjacent months.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis of reported parasuicides in Jordan.
• Data collected over a six-year period (1986-1991).
• Comparison focused on the month of Ramadan versus the months immediately before and after.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in parasuicides was observed during Ramadan.
• Parasuicide rates were lower during Ramadan compared to the preceding and succeeding months.
• The reduction in parasuicide rates was specific to the event month.

Conclusions:

• National and religious observances, such as Ramadan, demonstrate a temporary protective effect against parasuicide.
• This protective impact on parasuicide incidence is not sustained in the period immediately following the event.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind event-related reductions in parasuicide.