Association between Suicide Rate and Human Development Index, Income, and the Political System in 46 Muslim-Majority...

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Demography

Background:

• Limited research exists on suicide rates and ecological factors in Muslim-majority countries.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between suicide rates and ecological parameters in 46 Muslim-majority countries.
• To identify key ecological factors associated with suicide trends in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Correlation analysis was used to assess associations between suicide rates and ecological variables.
• Data included suicide rates, Human Development Index (HDI), income distribution, WHO region, continent, and political system.
• Population proportion, total population, and number of suicides were also considered.

Main Results:

• The median suicide rate was 5.45 per 100,000 population, with males having significantly higher rates (7.45) than females (2.9).
• Africa exhibited the highest suicide rates.
• Inverse associations were found between suicide rates (total, male, and female) and HDI and national income.
• Democratic countries showed significantly higher suicide rates than non-democratic ones.

Conclusions:

• Ecological parameters, including HDI and income, appear to play a role in the etiology of suicides in Muslim-majority countries.
• Public health strategies should consider socioeconomic and political contexts when addressing suicide prevention in these regions.