Perceptions of Young Adults on Suicide in Thohoyandou Town, in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behaviour among young adults in South Africa has risen markedly in recent years, reaching levels that are cause for serious public health concern. Suicide is a multifactorial and complex phenomenon that exerts profound psychological, social, and economic impacts on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 720 000 people die by suicide globally each year, and suicide is currently the third leading cause of mortality among individuals aged 15 to 29 years. Despite its high global burden, suicide remains heavily stigmatized and frequently misunderstood, which often impedes prevention, early identification, and help-seeking. In the South African context, young adults appear to be particularly vulnerable to suicidal ideation and behaviour. This heightened vulnerability is closely associated with intersecting economic and psychosocial stressors, including persistently high rates of unemployment, poverty-related stress, and widespread substance use. These risk factors, in combination with limited access to mental health services and ongoing social inequalities, contribute to the increasing incidence of suicide in this population group. Numerous empirical investigations have demonstrated that suicide constitutes a major public health risk and remains subject to substantial social stigma. A study conducted by Shilubane, Ruiter, Khoza, and Borne (2023) indicates that strengthening the capacity of school management in suicide prevention is critical for safeguarding learners in schools in the Limpopo province. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of young adults on suicide. This study aimed to explore the perception that young adults have of suicide in Thohoyandou Town of Vhembe District of Limpopo province. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research approach, utilising an exploratory and descriptive research design. A total of twenty young adults, both male and female, aged between 18 and 29 years and residing in Thohoyandou Town, were purposively selected to participate. Of these, 19 participants were ultimately interviewed at the Thohoyandou Town Library. A pilot (pre-test) interview was conducted at Sibasa (Makwarela Library) prior to the main data collection, during which two individuals were interviewed. The purpose of this pre-testing was to determine whether the research questions were appropriate and sufficient to address the study objectives. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. In addition, measures were implemented to ensure adherence to trustworthiness criteria, specifically credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. to. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. Findings: The findings underscore the critical role of robust support systems, heightened awareness, and adequate access to professional services in the prevention of suicide. The study further demonstrates that suicide among young adults constitutes a significant public health concern requiring urgent and sustained attention. Moreover, the results indicate that suicidal behaviour is multifactorial in nature, influenced by social media exposure, unemployment, mental health disorders, substance use, and deficits in emotional support. Conclusion: This study contributes to the existing body of literature by elucidating key risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behaviour in young adults and provides an empirical basis for the development of future research agendas and targeted interventions aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of this population.