Suicide and self harm in Nepal: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Suicide and self-harm behavior present a significant public health challenge in Nepal.
• Nepal ranked 7th globally for suicide rates in 2014, with an estimated 24.9 suicides per 100,000 people annually.
• Existing data necessitates further exploration of suicidal behavior patterns and risk factors within specific populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the epidemiology of suicidal behavior and self-harm in Nepal.
• To identify modes of attempt, associated risk factors, and trends in specific populations.
• To synthesize current research on suicide and self-harm in the Nepalese context.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 47 studies from PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted.
• Twenty articles meeting the study objectives were included in the final analysis.
• Data were independently reviewed by two researchers to summarize findings.

Main Results:

• Suicide rates are higher among women and younger age groups.
• A rising trend in suicidal behavior is observed in marginalized, migrant worker, and disaster-affected populations.
• Mental illnesses (predominantly mood disorders) and psychosocial factors (interpersonal conflicts, socioeconomic issues) are significant triggers.

Conclusions:

• Current studies offer a satisfactory overview of the suicide burden in Nepal.
• Limitations include reporting discrepancies, lack of longitudinal and qualitative studies, and absence of intervention research.
• Further research and improved mental health resource distribution are crucial for addressing suicide and mental illness.