Browsing by Author "Quarshie, E.N.-B."
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Item Adolescent suicide in Ghana: A content analysis of media reports(International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 2015-05) Quarshie, E.N.-B.; Osafo, J.; Akotia, C.S.; Peprah, J.Adolescent suicide is now a major health concern for many countries. However, there is paucity of systematic studies and lack of official statistics on adolescent suicide in Ghana. Mass media coverage of adolescent suicide (even though crude), at least, may reflect the reality of the phenomenon. With an ecological orientation, this study used qualitative content analysis to analyse the pattern of 44 media reports of adolescent suicide in Ghana from January 2001 through September 2014. Results showed that hanging was the dominant method used. The behaviour usually takes place within or near the adolescent's home environment. The act was often attributed to precursors within the microsystem (family and school) of the deceased. This study serves a seminal function for future empirical studies aimed at deeper examination of the phenomenon in order to inform prevention programmes.Item Attempted Suicide in Ghana: Motivation, Stigma, and Coping(Death Studies, 2015-01) Osafo, J.; Akotia, C.S.; Andoh-Arthur, J.; Quarshie, E.N.-B.To understand the experiences of suicidal persons in Ghana, 10 persons were interviewed after they attempted suicide. Thematic analysis of data showed that motivation for suicidal behavior included social taunting, hopelessness, and partner's infidelity. Suicidal persons reported stigma expressed through physical molestation and social ostracism, which left them traumatized. However, they coped through social support from relations, religious faith, and use of avoidance. Community-wide sensitive education should target reducing stigma and also increase mental health education on suicidal behavior in Ghanaian communities. © 2015, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.