Citation

Akotia CS, Knizek BL, Hjelmeland H, Kinyanda E, Osafo J. Transcult. Psychiatry 2019; 56(1): 233-249.

Affiliation

University of Ghana.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, McGill University, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1363461518802966

PMID

30299212

Abstract

This study examined the reasons for suicide attempts among patients in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 30 informants who had been hospitalized for attempted suicide. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the transcribed narratives, and five main themes emerged: 1) lack of support; 2) abandonment; 3) shame; 4) existential struggles; and 5) supernatural reasons. There were gender differences with abandonment reported by only women and shame associated with economic difficulties reported only by men.

FINDINGS are discussed within the context of a socio-cultural theory of suicide behaviour, and implications for the prevention of suicide and care of suicidal persons are suggested.

Language: en

Keywords

Ghana; explanations; gender differences; reasons; suicide attempt; suicide behaviour