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Suicidal Behavior in the Mediterranean Countries
1Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey.
Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health : CP & EMH
|October 8, 2020
Summary
Suicide rates in Mediterranean countries are lower than the global average, with variations observed between Muslim and Christian nations. Increased human inequality correlates with lower suicide rates, while declining religious importance is linked to higher female suicide rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicidal behavior presents a significant global public health challenge with considerable intersocietal disparities.
- This research comparatively examines suicidal behavior across 22 Mediterranean nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively investigate the multifaceted aspects of suicidal behavior within 22 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
- To analyze variations in suicide rates, ideation, and attempts across diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized official data from the World Health Organization's repository for suicidal mortality.
- Employed descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlational, and regression analyses for data summarization and interpretation.
Main Results:
- Mediterranean countries exhibit lower average age-standardized suicide rates compared to the global average.
- Higher suicide rates were observed in Slovenia, France, and Croatia, with notable differences between Muslim and Christian Mediterranean countries.
- Human inequality index correlated with decreased suicide rates (both sexes and males), while lower religious importance was linked to increased female suicide rates.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in suicidal deaths, thoughts, and attempts exist among Mediterranean countries.
- Lower suicide rates in Muslim-majority nations compared to Judeo-Christian ones suggest potential underreporting due to cultural stigma.
- Human inequality and religious factors significantly influence suicide rates, highlighting the need for further research in the region.