The Protective Effect of Ramadan on Suicide: A Study Based on Monthly Suicide Statistics of Turkey

Abstract

Ramadan is one of the months in the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the most sacred month. Ramadan brings significant changes to the daily lives of Muslims, and previous studies have identified various alterations in health-related parameters during this period. This study analyzed the relationship between Ramadan and suicide, a topic that has been relatively underexplored. This study analyzed monthly national suicide statistics in Turkey from 2003 to 2022 to investigate whether there was a statistically significant difference in suicide rates between months with Ramadan days and those without. As a result, it was found that suicide rates in months with Ramadan days were significantly lower in the total population and the male population. Although the rates were also lower in the female population compared to months without Ramadan days, the difference was not statistically significant. Religious sentiments and social environments during Ramadan may protect Muslims from suicide. Future studies using time series analysis could provide valuable insights and data free from the influence of seasonal effects. © 2025, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.