Abstract
Background
Suicide is a public health problem worldwide. Regarding the studies of suicide in women, it is still necessary to advance the knowledge of this phenomenon, especially in cities far from Brazilian capitals.
Objective
This study aimed to identify the psychosocial aspects of suicides of women in the country town of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Method
This is qualitative research using the psychosocial autopsy method. Data collection took place between March and June 2018 and a semi-structured interview script was used. Seven relatives of five women who died by suicide were interviewed. The collected material was analyzed through thematic content analysis.
Results
Three analytical categories emerged: “female suicidal behavior”, “mental disorders and relationships with suicide” and “gender violence and family conflicts”. Suicidal enunciation was found throughout the life of women who died from suicide, depressive signs, schizophrenia, gender violence, and curbing the female way of life.
Conclusion
Throughout the life of these women, there was a desire to die linked with emotional factors, mental disorders, family conflicts, and gender violence.
Keywords:
suicide; women; gender and health