Suicide and deliberate self-harm in Afghanistan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicide and deliberate self-harm (DSH) are major public health problems globally. There is limited information on suicide and DSH from Afghanistan. AIMS: To review available literature on suicide and DSH in Afghanistan. METHODS: Using online resources and literature on suicidal behavior (suicide, DSH and suicidal ideation) was searched. RESULTS: There were only seven published studies identified on suicidal behavior in Afghanistan. Six of these have been published since 2003 and majority has focused on suicidal behavior in women. CONCLUSIONS: Both DSH and suicide are underreported and understudied subjects in Afghanistan. There is need for more research in this area