Psychosocial causes of suicidal attempts among young girls: evidence from Chitral Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan

Rani Gul, Shomaila Habib, Sadia Batool, Sumaira Zakir, Iqbal Ahmad

Abstract

Suicidal attempts are among the major health concern worldwide in general and in rural communities in Pakistan, at particular. This study aimed to explores the psychosocial determinants contribute towards the occurrence of suicidal attempt among young girls in District Chitral, Pakistan. Using qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 nurses working in three local hospitals of District Chitral selected through purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed using the Braun and Clarke (2006) method of thematic analysis. The findings revealed that poor social relations, socioeconomic conditions, domestic violence, early marriages and sexual abuse were the major causes of suicidal attempts among young girls in Chitral. The findings of this study may have significant implications for public policy development about the prevention of suicidal cases among girls. The study highlights the need for counseling services, to create awareness among school girls through teachers, parents and community awareness sessions, and policy interventions to reduce suicidal attempts among vulnerable girls in rural communities.

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References

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