Pattern of suicidal death in Kuwait

4^th International Conference on Forensic Research & Technology

September 28-30, 2015 Atlanta, USA

Nadia Al-Kandary

Kuwait University, Kuwait

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

This study investigated the pattern of suicide deaths in Kuwait, one of the Gulf States which incorporate a wide variety of multi-ethnic communities over a seven year period from 2003 to 2009. The effects of all demographic factors on each aspect of suicide deaths in Kuwait were studied including age, sex, marital status and nationality. Moreover, the rate of suicide deaths in the Middle East region in general was also reviewed and compared with other parts of the world. The results showed that a total of 347 deaths attributed to suicide occurred in the study period. Hanging was the most preferred suicidal mode of death in Kuwait (209, 60.2%) especially in migrant workers. Falls from heights were more common among females compared to males and this could be the easiest and most available method of deaths due to suicide especially among house maids. Markedly more non-Kuwaiti people died from all the reported methods of suicides except for suicide by the use of firearm in which Kuwaiti residents outnumbered non-Kuwaiti residents. Kuwait has the lowest rate of suicide compared to other Middle Eastern countries. The government of Kuwait needs to take strong measures to control firearms in the general population.

Biography :

Nadia Al-Kandary, PhD, obtained her bachelor degree in Kuwait University, Faculty of Allied Health and continue her 5th year in University of Central Florida, USA. She obtained her MSc degree in University of Lancashire, UCLAN, UK and her Doctorate in Forensic and Investigative Science from Forensic School of in University of Lancashire, UK in 2011. She joined General Department of Criminal Evidence since 1996 and she is currently assigned as chairman of Forensic Pathology Lab in Kuwait. She has undergone other Certificate and courses in various branches of forensic field. She has conducted several studies and published on diverse topics ranging from medico legal aspect of infant deaths to un-natural cause of death. Dr. Nadia was a guest speaker at the Medicolegal conference in Detroit, Michigan, USA in 2010. She was coordinating the first Forensic Medicine Conference in Kuwait in 2001 and a member of Identification project in Kuwaiti Jail and also a member of the Prison of War project.

Email: pathgirl.n@gmail.com