Social Contexts of Self-Immolation among Women Admitted to Isfahan Burns Hospital, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Women in every society play a central role in the family and at the same time, are highly exposed to the pressures of dysfunctional relationships of economic, social, and cultural institutions outside the family, and if they are constantly exposed to traumatic and critical conditions, they may inflict irreparable damage on themselves in an unwanted helplessness, and by unacceptable behaviors such as violent suicides including self-immolation, endanger their survival as well as that of their family. Accordingly, this study was conducted to identify the social contexts of self-immolation among women admitted to Isfahan Burns Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.

This study was a qualitative content analysis which was conducted on 43 women hospitalized in Imam Musa Kazim Hospital in Isfahan due to self-immolation. Participants were purposefully selected and individually interviewed in a semi-structured interview. Data were categorized and analyzed by qualitative content analysis or thematic analysis.

Totally, the study identified 157 primary codes which were reduced to 16 secondary codes and 5 main concepts including conflict in family, addiction, marriage, poverty and economic difficulties as well as individual and psychological problems were obtained.

The problems of women who attempt self-immolation are related to harassment and dissatisfaction with at least one of their close relatives or difficult and stressful living conditions. The results of this study can be used for national planning by the relevant agencies to respect the rights and security of women in the family and society.