A scoping review of epidemics of substance misuse and suicide in Syria: casualties of protracted conflict and political instability

Abstract Background: Over a decade of conflict in Syria had resulted in significant displacement and an increase in humanitarian needs. Emerging evidence points to a growing burden of substance misuse and deliberate self-harm– issues that remain underreported due to stigma, fear of criminalization, and a fragmented health system. This scoping review provides an overview of the prevalence, risk factors and health services available for these conditions inside Syria, supplemented by findings from an expert workshop with Syrian mental health stakeholders.