Perceptions of the decriminalisation of suicidal attempts among mental health service users in Ghana: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Suicide remains a major global public health concern, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. In Ghana, attempted suicide had been criminalised under Section 57 (2) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) until March 2023 when it was decriminalised. Despite this major reform, little is known about how mental health service users, the group most directly affected perceive the decriminalisation of attempted suicide and its potential impact on health-seeking behaviours. This study explored the perspectives of mental health service users on the decriminalisation of atempted suicide in Ghana, and anticipated effects on help-seeking behaviours.

Methods

A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Thirty adult menta

SUBMITTER: Quarshie C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12849349 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature