Suicide in Asia.
Suicide is a major problem worldwide, and suicides in Asian countries account for as much as 60% of all suicides in the world. There are many unique features in suicides within this ethnically-diverse continent, from the methods used, to the putative risk factors. Much research still needs to be done to guide efficacious and culturally relevant interventions in suicide prevention; existing literature suggests a strong focus for programmes that address restricting access to pesticides, increasing crisis counseling activities, improving the accessibility and delivery of mental health services, and promoting responsible media reporting of suicide and related issues. There is a need for coordinated national suicide plans to be developed that are sensitive to the socioeconomic and cultural factors in the local context.
Wei
K C
KC
Department of General Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Woodbridge Hospital, Singapore. ker_chiah_wei@imh.com.sg
Chua
H C
HC
D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003469:Culture; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention