Causes Of Attempted Suicide In Ohangwena Region: A Social Work Exploration

ABSTRACT

Suicide has become a major public concern in Namibia, particularly in Ohangwena region. This study investigated the causes of suicide in the Ohangwena region by exploring the causes of attempted suicide in the region. A qualitative approach was utilized. Data were gathered through semi-structured self-developed interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. The sample of twenty (20) participants who were all suicide attempters, were purposively selected from the three districts of Ohangwena region, namely Eenhana, Engela and Okongo districts. Due to the sensitive nature of the study, pre- and post-counselling was provided to each research participant.

As participants are unique individuals, they as well presented the causes of their suicide attempts differently. The results were organized into four categories: reasons given for suicide attempts, impacts of suicide attempts on attempters, experiences and feelings of an attempter, and support system for suicide attempters. Several themes and sub-themes emerged from each category. Themes which emerged from the reasons given for suicide attempts included: interpersonal relationship problems which include relationship problems with family and relationship problems with community as sub-themes, financial problems, mental health related problems (which included two sub-themes namely hallucinations and impulsivity), previous suicide attempts and negative emotions towards the self (which included one sub-theme which is the feeling of hopelessness).

It is recommended that the Ministry of Health and Social Services strengthens its technical support and provides special training to the social workers in the regions on how to deal with suicidal clients. Additionally, participants of the present study have emphasized a concern with education - they advocated for the community to be educated on the prevention of suicide and this was based on the reason that many people may attempt suicide because of a lack of information. Furthermore, participants also recommended the Ministry of Health and Social Services to increase the number of social workers in Ohangwena region so that suicide attempts can be reduced and prevented. The study recommends that research with large samples and in other regions can possibly be undertaken.