An Escape from Agony: A Qualitative Psychological Autopsy Study of Women's Suicide in a Post-Conflict Northern Uganda

Type Journal Article - International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Title An Escape from Agony: A Qualitative Psychological Autopsy Study of Women's Suicide in a Post-Conflict Northern Uganda
Author(s)
Volume 7
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435508/
Abstract
We set out to investigate suicide among women in a post-conflict context in Northern Uganda using qualitative psychological autopsy interviews. Three to five relatives and friends for each of the three suicides recruited were interviewed (N=11). Through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) we found that the women all had been through traumatic experiences attributable to the protracted war/conflict between the rebel groups and Ugandan Government armed forces. Nevertheless, the decision of self-inflicted death seemed to have been due to a combination of unpleasant experiences/events that prevailed within the last 3 months prior to the suicide. These experiences are summarized in two broad themes: No control in life and No care. Changes in the traditional gender roles, men's quest for their lost masculinity, and women's attempt to fight for their rights that was perceived as a cultural transgression contributed to the women's suicides.

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