Reflecting on suicide in Ethiopia reveals a critical public health concern, though it often remains under-discussed and under-resourced. Is Suicide considered a public health issue in Ethiopia
Yes, suicide is increasingly being recognized as a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. While comprehensive national data can be challenging to obtain due to stigma and underreporting, existing studies and expert opinions strongly indicate its prevalence and impact.
Prevalence: Studies in Ethiopia have shown varying but significant rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. For instance, a meta-analysis and systematic review found suicidal thoughts ranging from 1% to 55% and attempts from 0.6% to 14%. Other studies, particularly among adolescents and young adults, have reported alarming figures for suicidal thoughts (12.6% to 58.3%) and attempts (4.4% to 7.4%). Suicide is noted as the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally, and Ethiopia, as a low-income country, experiences a large share of these deaths.
Contributing Factors: The numerous psychosocial pressures prevalent in Ethiopia, including poverty, conflict, displacement, food insecurity, lack of access to mental healthcare, and deeply ingrained stigma, contribute significantly to mental health disorders and, consequently, to suicidal behaviors. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged that one in four citizens suffers from a mental disorder, creating a fertile ground for suicidal ideation.
Underreporting: It's important to acknowledge that official statistics likely underestimate the true burden of suicide due to cultural stigma, legal implications, and a lack of robust surveillance systems. Deaths by suicide are often misclassified or concealed within families due to shame.