Introduction:
suicide
is a major public health problem all over the world.
It described as “intentional, self-destructive, and self-inflicted acts.
Aim: The aim of this study is to explore
the risks beyond the experience of attempting suicide among a group of
Palestinian women.
Design: The study used a qualitative descriptive phenomenological method
to explore the experiences of Palestinian women attempted suicide, to capture
as much as possible the way in which the phenomenon is experienced, and the
risks lays beyond the experience.
Data collection:
Face to face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with
participants – the women who previously attempted suicide.
Sample: Purposive sampling was used; 20 women attempted suicide
at least once.
Setting: Interviews were conducted in a
private place agreed for with the women.
Data Analysis: The
data was analyzed by using Giorgi’s phenomenological psychology method (1985).
Results: From the interviews, Five themes and eighteen
sub-themes emerged: violence (Sexual violence, domestic violence, collective
violence, witnessing abuse, and child maltreatment); Losses (loss of parents,
loss of cultural identity, loss of relation, and loss of security) ;
psychological risk factors (Low self efficacy, Low Self esteem, Negative Self
image, and Maladaptive coping mechanism); and Socio cultural factors (poverty,
stigma, and dysfunctional family); Lack of support system (Non professional,
and professional).
Conclusion and
Recommendation:
The findings of the study demonstrate the importance of understanding the
experience of the women attempted suicide, the risk beyond their experience,
and the phenomena of suicide within the Palestinian community. It reflect the
need for national prevention programs which include the implementation
of national programs for mental health, recognizing the rights of females,
tackling illiteracy among both males and females, prohibiting forced child
marriage, providing economic and social support especially for young females,
and promoting religion values rather than traditional customs.