Suicide and deliberate self-harm in Afghanistan

Background Suicide and deliberate self-harm (DSH) are major public health problems globally. There is limited information on suicide and DSH from Afghanistan. Aims To review available literature on suicide and DSH in Afghanistan. Methods Using online resources and literature on suicidal behavior (suicide, DSH and suicidal ideation) was searched. Results There were only seven published studies identified on suicidal behavior in Afghanistan. Six of these have been published since 2003 and majority has focused on suicidal behavior in women. Conclusions Both DSH and suicide are underreported and understudied subjects in Afghanistan. There is need for more research in this area.