Suicide is an important cause of death in developing and developed countries. Because of its multifactorial nature it is often difficult to study. Suicide also brings with it social stigma and, in some cases, legal repercussions. Suicide is generally underreported and, therefore, services directed at decreasing its incidence are not given priority. This retrospective study of suicide deaths over a period of 2 years in the Lalitpur district of rural Nepal demonstrates the complicated issues involved, and suggests some appropriate strategies for addressing suicide risk.
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