Factors Contributing to Parasuicide among Patients Aged 18 - 35 Admitted at a National Psychiatric Hospital, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine factors contributing to parasuicide among patients aged 18 - 35 admitted at the national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. A purposive sample of 32 respondents was selected for the study. Data were collected using a structured interview guide. All (100%) of parasuicide participants had mental illness and were experiencing severe financial difficulties. Early identification and response to these problems would have prevented morbidity associated with parasuicide.