Centering decriminalization of suicide in low - and middle - income countries on effective suicide prevention strategies.

Journal: Frontiers in psychiatry

Volume: 13

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Shamiri Institute, Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract summary 

Globally, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year. For every one completed suicide, 20 more attempts have been made. As previous attempts are one of the strongest predictors of future suicide, help-seeking in moments of crisis, particularly after an attempt, may have important implications for suicide prevention. Unfortunately, the criminalization of suicide in several countries hinders help-seeking, increases the stigmatization of those who attempt suicide and obstructs the accurate tracking of suicides. Here, we highlight the negative effects of suicide criminalization and discuss evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention such as means restriction, improved mental health literacy and access to psychosocial support, and responsible media coverage of suicides.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ochuku Johnson Osborn Wasanga Ndetei

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Roth G, Abate D, Abate K, Abay S. Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific mortality for 282 causes of death in 195 countries and territories, 1980–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Inst Health Metr Eval. (2018) 392:1736–88. 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32203-7
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 1034206
SSN : 1664-0640
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
LMICs;mental health;mental illness;suicide decriminalization;suicide prevention;suicide psychopathology
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Kenya
Publication Country
Switzerland