Factors influencing the increase in incidence of suicide and substance abuse in Central Eastern Europe

Jessica E. Dowches¹, Daniel J. West, Jr.^2
1University of Scranton, Bel Air, Maryland 21014, USA ²University of Scranton, Department of Health Administration and Human Resources, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA

Korespondenční autor: Jessica E. Dowches (jessica.dowches@scranton.edu)

ISSN 1804-7181 (On-line)

Full verze:

Submitted:3. 5. 2013
Accepted: 27. 5. 2013
Published online: 28. 6. 2013

Summary

What caused the incidence of suicide and substance abuse to increase in Central and Eastern Europe after the Velvet Revolution? This paper examines the history, public health status, and mental health status of the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Hungary in efforts to identify key factors in the surge of suicide rates and substance abuse since the Velvet Revolution. Critical success factors and best practices are discussed in hopes of combating the mental health crisis facing the world. Solutions are presented as recommendations to improve the health status of Central and Eastern Europe.

Keywords: mental health; health reform; suicide; substance abuse; Central and Eastern Europe

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