Patterns of suicide in Kuwait from 2014 to 2018

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Suicide is a significant global public health concern.
• It ranks among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide.
• Understanding regional suicide patterns is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the demographic and method-specific patterns of suicide in Kuwait.
• To provide data to inform public health interventions and suicide prevention efforts in the region.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study was conducted using data from 2014 to 2018.
• Suicide fatalities were identified through records from the General Department of Criminal Evidence.
• Statistical analyses examined relationships between demographic factors and suicide characteristics.

Main Results:

• A total of 297 suicide fatalities were analyzed.
• The majority of victims were aged 19-65 years, with males comprising 81.1%.
• Hanging was the predominant method (90.6%), and Indian nationals represented the largest nationality group (60.2%).

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight specific demographic and method patterns in Kuwait suicides.
• Interventions should focus on high-risk groups, including young to middle-aged males and specific nationalities.
• Increased employer and employee education on suicide risk factors is recommended.