Bangladeshi Media Reports At Least 347 Suicide Cases in Oct-Dec, 2023

An Analysis of Suicide Cases in Bangladesh

Abstract:

Suicide, a pervasive and complex societal issue, demands comprehensive analysis to inform effective prevention strategies. This study delves into suicide cases reported in Bangladesh between October and December 2023, drawing from data aggregated from over 100 newspapers. Through detailed examination, the analysis elucidates key demographic, socio-economic, and geographic factors influencing suicidal behavior within the country during the specified period.

Background:

Bangladesh contends with the profound challenge of suicide, necessitating a nuanced understanding of its determinants. Collected from a wide array of sources, including over 100 newspapers, the dataset offers a rich repository of information encapsulating the myriad factors contributing to suicide. Economic hardship, marital discord, mental health struggles, and other socio-economic stressors emerge as prominent themes, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the issue. With data sourced from diverse sources, this analysis seeks to illuminate the complex landscape of suicide in Bangladesh and inform targeted intervention strategies.

Top Motivating Factors Behind Suicide Cases in Bangladesh:

Between October and December 2023, a total of 347 suicide cases were reported in Bangladesh. The analysis of these cases revealed several prominent motivating factors contributing to suicidal behavior. The most significant factors included unidentified reasons (80 cases), financial stress (49 cases), marital strife (39 cases), family disputes (28 cases), hurt feelings (23 cases), mental health history (20 cases), domestic violence (16 cases), overparenting (14 cases), extramarital affairs (14 cases), and relationship breakdowns (12 cases). These findings underscore the complex interplay of socio-economic, familial, and psychological factors influencing suicidal tendencies within the population during this period. Understanding and addressing these multifaceted factors are crucial for implementing effective suicide prevention strategies tailored to the specific needs of affected individuals and communities.

Suicide Methods Employed in Bangladesh:

During the period between October and December 2023, a total of 278 suicide cases in Bangladesh were attributed to hanging. This method was the most prevalent among reported suicides during this period. It indicates that hanging is the easiest method for suicide since this is applied inside the house and the objects required are also easily available. Other methods used for suicide included poisoning (47 cases), 7 people jumped under train, jumping from heights (4 cases), throat-slitting (4 cases), self-immolation (3 cases), stabbing (1 case), and drowning (1 case). Understanding the methods employed for suicide is crucial for implementing preventive measures and providing targeted interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of suicide in the country.

Scenario of Suicide Cases Based on Gender:

A total of 347 suicide cases were reported in Bangladesh. Among these cases, 157 were females, 130 were males, and 60 were classified as underage individuals. This data provides insights into the gender scenario of suicide cases during the specified period, highlighting the varying prevalence among different gender groups and emphasizing the need for tailored suicide prevention strategies targeting the specific needs of each demographic. Understanding these gender-based differences is essential for implementing effective interventions aimed at reducing suicide rates in Bangladesh.

Marital Status Noticed in Suicide Cases in Bangladesh:

Among the total 347 suicide cases from October to December last year, a total of 273 suicide cases in Bangladesh were categorized based on marital status. Among these cases, 177 individuals were reported as married, 92 were unmarried, and 4 were identified as widows. This data sheds light on the marital status distribution among suicide cases during the specified period, emphasizing the potential stressors within marital relationships and the need for targeted interventions aimed at addressing marital issues and supporting individuals facing challenges in their marriages. Understanding these marital dynamics is crucial for implementing effective suicide prevention strategies tailored to the specific needs of affected individuals.

Occupational Profile of Suicide Cases in Bangladesh:

During the October to December period in 2023, a total of 244 suicide cases in Bangladesh were categorized based on occupation. Among these cases, housewives accounted for the highest number with 113 cases, followed closely by students with 108 cases. Additionally, 11 individuals were identified as traders, 11 as unemployed, and 1 as self-employed. This data highlights the occupational profile of suicide cases during the specified period, with housewives emerging as the most prone group. It underscores the significance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to vulnerable occupational groups such as housewives and students to prevent further tragedies.

Conclusion:

By aggregating data from over 100 newspapers, this analysis offers valuable insights into suicide dynamics in Bangladesh between October and December 2023. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the issue, highlighting demographic disparities, socio-economic stressors, and regional nuances. Informed by this comprehensive understanding, targeted interventions, awareness campaigns, and mental health support systems can be developed to mitigate suicide rates and address the diverse needs of affected individuals and communities. Through concerted efforts guided by robust data collection, Bangladesh can take significant strides toward combating the scourge of suicide and promoting mental well-being across the nation.