Qualitative research in suicidology: a systematic review of the literature of low-and middle-income countries

Abstract

Background Suicide is more prevalent among disadvantaged, discriminated, and marginalised people with the majority of global suicide deaths occurring in the low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This can be attributed to sociocultural contexts and exacerbated by access to limited resources and services that can assist with early identification, treatment, and support. Accurate information on the personal experiences of suicide is lacking, as many LMICs legislate that suicide is illegal. Methods This study aims to review the qualitative literature to explore the experiences of suicide in LMICs from the first-person perspective. Following the PRISMA-2020 guidelines, the search for qualitative literature published between January 2010 and December 2021 was undertaken. A total number of 110 qualitative articles from 2569 primary studies met the inclusion criteria. Included records were appraised, extracted, and synthesised. Results The results provide lived experience insight into suicide from those living in LMICs, including understanding variations of the causes of suicides, the impacts on others exposed to suicide, existing support systems, and prevention measures to reduce suicide among LMICs. The study offers a contemporaryunderstanding of how people in LMIC experience suicide. Conclusions The findings and recommendations are derived from the similarities and differences within the existing knowledge base that is dominated by evidence from high-income countries. Timely suggestions for future researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers are provided.

The Lived Experience and Impact of Compassion for Others in Undergraduate Students’ Recovery From Suicidal Ideation

“…What has received less attention, however, are positive coping strategies and processes that arise more spontaneously in the course of people's everyday lives (Stanley et al, 2021). In addition, a better understanding is needed on the subjective perspectives and lived experiences of individuals who have recovered from suicidal ideation and behaviors (Kabir et al, 2023;Wayland et al, 2020;White, 2015). Qualitative research, including phenomenological studies on people's lived experiences, provide a window into people's thoughts, feelings, and intentions in ways that do not rely on pre-existing categorizations, biases, and assumptions about phenomena (Smith et al, 2009;Wayland et al, 2020).…”

Demographics and risk factors for suicide in Syria: A retrospective media content analysis of online news sources

“…The current study primarily relied on retrospective analysis of online news content where future research could incorporate qualitative methods, such as interviews or focus groups with individuals directly affected by suicide, mental health professionals, religious leaders, and community leaders (Kabir et al, 2023 ). This approach would provide deeper insights into the contextual nuances of suicide risk factors in Syria by capturing personal experiences and cultural perceptions that this study could not address.…”

Suporte Psicossocial Em Situações De Autolesão E Comportamento Suicida

“…Socialmente, observou-se uma falta de compaixão ligada às tentativas de suicídio, visto que muitos sobreviventes e sua família são excluídos cultural e socialmente, o que pode contribuir para a vulnerabilidade do sujeito. Ademais, há outros fatores que aumentam o risco do comportamento suicida, como: brigas no ambiente familiar (conflito com os pais ou entre irmãos), separação dos pais, crises financeiras, pobreza, doenças crônicas, falta de apoio familiar para pessoas com condições complexas de saúde mental ou até mesmo a culpa de sobreviver a uma tentativa de suicídio anterior (Kabir et al, 2023).…”

“…Para isso, faz-se necessária estratégia de prevenção no âmbito primário, pois objetiva reduzir as taxas de suicídio em geral; enquanto a prevenção secundária visa reduzir tentativas em pessoas que apresentam alto risco e há intervenções terciárias que se direcionam aos indivíduos que já tentaram uma ou mais vezes, visando suprimir este comportamento (Katsivarda et al, 2021). Portanto, entre as estratégias de prevenção, estão: identificação precoce de transtornos mentais, fácil acesso aos profissionais de saúde mental, promoção de saúde mental positiva e criação de consciência para reduzir o estigma relacionado à saúde mental, além de uma rede de apoio, com familiares e amigos (Kabir et al, 2023).…”