Cambodia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.8 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Cambodia have shown a steady decline, reflecting the impact of increased mental health awareness and interventions.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but still significant, especially among rural women.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern among adolescents, often linked to poverty, academic pressures, and mental health challenges.
   • Elderly (60+): Suicide rates are higher among the elderly, often due to loneliness and chronic illness.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates in rural areas are significantly higher due to isolation, economic challenges, and limited access to mental health services.

4. Special Groups:

1. • High rates of suicide are observed among survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime, linked to unresolved trauma and PTSD.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Cambodia has made significant strides in addressing mental health and suicide prevention through NGOs and government collaborations.
• Key Elements:

• • Integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.
  • Training healthcare providers to recognize and address mental health and suicide risks.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: Mental health campaigns organized by TPO Cambodia aim to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Survivors of the Khmer Rouge Regime: Psychosocial support programs to address PTSD and depression.
   • Youth Programs: School-based mental health initiatives educate adolescents on coping skills and suicide prevention.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to improve mental health infrastructure.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Village-based mental health programs train local leaders to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.

• Digital Tools:

• • Early efforts to introduce mobile apps and online counseling services to expand access to mental health support.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Cultural stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier, particularly in rural areas.
  • Traditional healers often play a role in addressing mental health, offering an opportunity to integrate modern and traditional approaches.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide rates and risk factors among specific groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, is limited.

• Positive Developments:

• • The work of NGOs like TPO Cambodia and increasing collaboration with international organizations reflect Cambodia’s commitment to improving mental health services.

References

1. Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Cambodia. (n.d.). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://tpocambodia.org/
2. Trading Economics. (2019). Cambodia – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/cambodia/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Cambodia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. UNICEF Cambodia. (n.d.). Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/cambodia/