# Exploring the determinants of Suicide among Married Women in Chitral, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

## TL;DR

This study explores why married women in Chitral, Pakistan, commit suicide, finding that domestic violence is a major cause.

## Contribution

The study identifies domestic violence as the primary determinant of suicide among married women in Chitral, with sub-factors at multiple levels.

## Key findings

- Domestic violence was identified as the main cause of suicide among married women in Chitral.
- The study categorized domestic violence into personal, family, community, and societal level factors.
- Findings aim to inform suicide prevention strategies for women in the region.

## Abstract

This study aimed to explore the factors that lead to committing suicide among married women of Chitral, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

A qualitative study using a family ethnographic approach was utilized to explore the complex factors contributing to suicidal behavior among women in Chitral, aiming to understand the underlying causes and risk factors. Data collection took place between April to July 2016, employing a combination of semi-structured interviews, observation, and study records. To analyze the gathered data, a social-ecological model was used, which led to the identification of various categories and themes. It is important to note that the study received approval from the ethical committee of Aga Khan University Karachi, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines. To protect the privacy and confidentiality of the participants, pseudonyms were assigned, ensuring anonymity throughout the research process.

According to the research findings, domestic violence was the primary reason for suicide among the women, which was further divided into five categories, including: (i) personal factors; (ii) family level factors; (iii) community level factors; (iv) society level factors;

Study findings provided insights into determinants leading to suicide among married women in Chitral. The major contributing factor highlighted is domestic violence with sub-factors. The findings of the research study will make significant contributions to the prevention of suicide among women.