An escape from agony: A qualitative psychological autopsy study of women's suicide in a post-conflict Northern Uganda

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.

• Women suicide
• post-conflict
• Northern Uganda
• qualitative psychological autopsy

Notes

1. Acholi cultural values include among others those aspects that pertain to manhood and womanhood. An ideal Acholi man was one who was a strong fighter and protector, never defeated and never gives up, a provider and controller, a figure of authority, and a leader. Yet an ideal Acholi woman is one who is humble, gentle, and submissive to authority (El-Bushra & Sahl, 2005).