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A Systematic Evidence Review on Suicide in Kosovo
The after-war Kosovo society was characterized by an increasing number of suicides. The aims of the study were the identification, appraisal, selection, and synthesis of studies on suicide in Kosovo. A classical theoretical approach has been used to analyze studies in known databases as well as dissertations and presentations at national conferences. Fifteen studies that met our selection criteria were analyzed. These studies were psychiatric/psychological, forensic, sociological, epidemiological, and legal type. We have not found any study of qualitative, physiological, or anthropological character. None of these studies noticed the focus on specific cultural elements. The investigation of social elements did not provide valuable data. Most of the studies focused on adolescents. Neither research has convinced us for it comprehensible view of suicide phenomenon. Only two studies analyzed predictors of suicide. Identification of the protective/risk factors is difficult because the reviewed studies have many methodological shortcomings. Although the studies analyzed include many valuable data of epidemiological nature, they do not allow us to develop a model for suicide.

The prevalence of suicides in Kosovo increased considerably in the post-war period (1998-1999). The present study aimed to identify, select, and synthesize research on suicide in Kosovo. Published articles, dissertations, and presentations at international/national conferences were considered. Sixteen studies (including psychiatric, psychological, forensic, sociological, epidemiological, and legal research) that met the selection criteria were analyzed. None of the studies considered the specific cultural context, while the investigation of social elements did not provide valuable data. Most of the studies focused on adolescents, while ignoring other age groups. In terms of suicide predictors, there were only two studies actually examining this aspect. However, the identification of the protective/risk factors was difficult because of the several methodological shortcomings. In conclusion, it might be said that although the studies included many valuable data of epidemiological nature, they do not allow the development of a model for suicide in Kosovo. Future research should consider the specific cultural elements, especially in developing preventive strategies for suicide in Kosovo.

Naim Fanaj, Erika Melonashi DOI: 10.1177/2158244014528717Published 26 March 2014