“It was like nobody cared about what I said?” Iranian women committed self- immolation: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Suicide-attempts have increased across the world and have become more higher among females. In Iran, there has been a high prevalence of self-immolation mostly young married women admitted in the burn centers. This study aimed to explore the factors and experiences of self-immolation in Iranian married women to develop prevention strategies to prevent the personal, social and economic impacts of suicide and suicide attempts. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using open-ended in-depth face to face interviews was conducted in a purposive sample of 16 married Iranian women aged 16 to 40 years in the burn centers in Urmia city located in northwest Iran. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Four themes emerged from the data including: (1) antecedents of self-immolation, (2) suicidal ideation method, (3) defeat and humiliation, and (4) pathway to recovery. Each of these themes are supported by sub-themes.Conclusions: The study highlights the need for health professionals to focus in helping and supporting self-immolation survivors to continue a normal life. A comprehensive supportive program based on survivors’ needs to support their pathways to recovery in all its complexities is recommended. Health professional should also not forget that the family of the survivors also will need help to overcome this trauma. Family counselling program may also be provided.