Suicidal Behavior in Central Asian Region

This chapter investigates the epidemiology, risk factors, research, and preventive measures on suicidal behavior in Central Asian Region (CAR). The study utilizes literature and claims that cultural and religious factors play an important role in determining suicidal behavior. The CAR states where Islam is the dominant religion have a low frequency of suicides and it was noted in all historical periods: both when they were part of the Russian Empire, part of the USSR, and during the transitional period as independent states after the collapse of the USSR. However, the post-Soviet era of Central Asia in the 1990s was a period of economic and political depression caused by the collapse of the USSR. Consequently, the high rate of alcoholism led to an increase in the number of suicides among CAR citizens. The study found that there is a lack of serious research into the reasons for suicidal behavior, which makes it difficult to develop effective prevention strategies. There is a serious gap in research on this topic, as evidenced by the fact that only dozens of academic peer-reviewed articles have been published on it.