Original Research

Reasons for parasuicide among patients admitted to Tshilidzini Hospital, Limpopo Province: A qualitative study

M Obida, Christopher Clark, Indiran Govender
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 19, No 4 | a452 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v19i4.452 | © 2013 M Obida, Christopher Clark, Indiran Govender | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 22 April 2013 | Published: 30 November 2013

About the author(s)

M Obida, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Tshilidzini Hospital, Thulamela, South Africa, South Africa
Christopher Clark, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Tshilidzini Hospital, Thulamela, South Africa, South Africa
Indiran Govender, University of Limpopo, Medunsa campus, Pretoria, South Africa, South Africa

Abstract

Background. Suicide and suicide attempts are commonly encountered in primary healthcare. To manage them competently and in a non-judgmental manner, health workers require an in-depth understanding of this problem.

Objective. To determine the reasons for suicide attempts among patients admitted at Tshilidzini Hospital. 

Method. A descriptive qualitative study used an unstructured in-depth interview for data collection, with 10 purposively selected participants. The data were analysed thematically.

Results. The participants gave the following reasons for their suicidal acts: poverty, unemployment and its associated financial difficulties; domestic violence; interpersonal conflicts; HIV/AIDS-related problems; maternal death; depression; hallucinations; and accusations of witchcraft. These factors interacted, producing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and lack of meaning in life, thereby driving the individual to resort to desperate measures. The choice of method for each suicide attempt was influenced by availability, knowledge, experience and the seriousness of intent to die.

Conclusion. This study supports the idea that a suicidal act is a complex phenomenon arising in an distinctive way in each individual, based on the interplay of various factors.


Keywords

Suicide; Suicide attempt; Parasuicide; Rural areas

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