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Suicide in Jordan 1980-1985.
1Department of Psychiatry, Jordan University Hospital, Amman.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Suicide rates in Jordan (1980-1985) peaked in young adults (15-34). Most suicides involved individuals with prior psychiatric treatment, with distinct demographic and socioeconomic patterns observed between genders, highlighting sociocultural factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicide presents a significant public health challenge globally.
- Understanding demographic and socioeconomic risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
- Limited data exists on suicide trends in the Middle East, particularly Jordan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze suicide trends in Jordan between 1980 and 1985.
- To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics of individuals who died by suicide.
- To explore the role of sociocultural factors in suicide within the Jordanian context.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of suicide cases registered in Jordan from 1980 to 1985.
- Data collection included demographic information, employment status, marital status, psychiatric history, and method of suicide.
- Statistical analysis of an annual suicide rate of 2.1 per 100,000 population.
Main Results:
- A total of 219 suicides were recorded, with the highest rates observed in the 15-34 age group.
- Nearly two-thirds of male suicides were single, compared to females. Unemployment and unskilled labor were prevalent among male suicides, while housewives and students predominated among females.
- Approximately two-thirds of all suicides had a history of psychiatric treatment. Violent methods were the most common means of suicide.
Conclusions:
- Suicide in Jordan during this period disproportionately affected young adults and specific socioeconomic groups.
- Previous psychiatric treatment was a common factor among suicide decedents.
- Sociocultural factors likely play a significant role, warranting further investigation, including the potential influence of religion in suicide prevention.