Article Type
Article
Abstract
Introduction: Suicide and suicide attempts represent one of the most pressing global health and social problems. Al-Muthanna Governorate has recently witnessed a noticeable increase in suicide rates, highlighting the need for a local demographic and social investigation. Aim of Study: This study aims to analyze the demographic and social factors associated with suicide and suicide attempts in Al-Muthanna Governorate (2020-mid-2025), while identifying the most common methods and motives. Methods and Materials: Data were collected from major hospitals and the Forensic Medicine Department using the official Ministry of Health suicide reporting form. Variables included age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, residence, method, and cause. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied (Chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, Odds Ratios). Results: Findings showed that suicide attempts exceeded completed cases. Females were more prone to attempts, while males were more likely to die by suicide (OR=2.5). The highest rates were observed in the 20-40 age group, especially among the unemployed and students. Urban areas reported more completed suicides, while attempts were more frequent in rural areas. Hanging was the most common method, while females more often resorted to poisoning and self-immolation. Completed suicides were mainly linked to economic and academic problems, while attempts were associated with psychological and family-related causes. Discussion: Results align with the global ``gender paradox,'' where women attempt suicide more often, while men have higher rates of completion. However, the unique socioeconomic conditions in Al-Muthanna, marked by poverty, unemployment, and weak social support, amplify economic factors compared to global patterns. Moreover, the near-equal gender distribution in hanging and firearm suicides may indicate misclassification of female homicides as suicides. Limitations: The study faced challenges including underreporting, social stigma, misclassification in emergency records, and difficulty differentiating suicides from accidental deaths. Conclusion: Suicide in Al-Muthanna is strongly linked to economic and social determinants. The most vulnerable groups are youth (20--40 years), the unemployed, and students. Recommendations: • Improve suicide documentation and reporting. • Expand mental health services. • Target high-risk groups. • Introduce educational programs in schools and universities. • Address poverty and unemployment. • Restrict access to lethal means.
Recommended Citation
Sahib, Adil Jafaar Abdul; Jiad, Saad Hadi; and Hasson, Taif Ali
(2025)
"Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Al-Muthanna Governorate: A Demographic–Social Analytical Study (2020–mid2025),"
Muthanna Medical Journal: Vol. 12:
Iss.
2, Article 8.
Available at:
https://muthmj.mu.edu.iq/journal/vol12/iss2/8
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
