Suicide in Saudi Arabia explained

As of 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a suicide rate of 3.4 per 100,000 people, ranked 163rd in the world.^[1] However, due to the laws against suicide, the data may be under reported.

Legislation

Suicide is a crime in Saudi Arabia.^[2]

By group

Women

Discrimination, severe social restrictions, and forced marriages are motivators for women's suicides.^{[3] [4]}

Migrants

In a study conducted in the Dammam region, the suicide rate was found to be disproportionately higher for migrants.^[2]

By method

A study of 221 suicides in Dammam between 1986 and 1995 revealed that 63% were by hanging, 12% were by jumping from height, 9% were by gunshot, and 6% were by poisoning.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2016. Suicide rates Data by country. 2021-01-28. World Health Organization.
2. Web site: Suicide deaths in dammam, kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Retrospective study . 2021-02-21.
3. News: Saudi women try suicide to escape social pressure. Ibtihal. Hassan. Reuters . December 18, 2007. www.reuters.com.
4. Web site: 2020-10-31. 473 women migrant workers dead abroad since 2016, 175 in Saudi Arabia alone. 2021-01-28. The Daily Star. en.
5. Elfawal M. A. (1999). Cultural influence on the incidence and choice of method of suicide in Saudi Arabia. The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 20(2), 163–168.