Epidemiology of Suicide and Data Quality in Bangladesh

Abstract

As a public health problem, suicide gets less attention than it deserves in Bangladesh. The exact rate of suicide is still arguable based on different sources as the country does not have any national suicide surveillance system and it varies in different reports and empirical studies. We know very little about the epidemiology of suicidal ideation, plan, and non-fatal attempts. The available evidence suggests that the majority of suicides happen among young populations especially those under 30 years of age, females are dying more than males, and students and housewives are vulnerable groups. Life events, psychiatric disorders, unemployment, social isolation, sexual abuse, marital discord, and familial disharmony are the prominent risk factors for suicide. Social events show more harmful associations than psychiatric illnesses. The family has an untapped role in suicide prevention as a significant proportion of suicides could be attributed to events closely related to family conflicts. Forensic medicine and police are identified as the prominent sources of data for suicide research in Bangladesh. This chapter aims to discuss rates, gender distribution, and risk factors for suicide in Bangladesh. It also discusses the sources of suicide data in the country along with concerns about its quality.