Cultural perceptions of suicide in the Philippines reported by service providers from the anti-trafficking sector: a qualitative study

Abstract

Suicide is a major global health concern, with Southeast Asia experiencing a uniquely high burden. Yet, a lack of research exists on suicide from this region, especially qualitative studies focused on the socio-cultural influences. Part of a larger project to implement suicide prevention for survivors of human trafficking, the current qualitative study focuses on the cultural beliefs of individuals in the Philippines surrounding suicide. Using purposive sampling, 20 service providers in the anti-trafficking sector from Cebu City were included in three focus group discussions (FGDs). Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed following a systematic five-step analytic framework. Findings revealed that views on suicide are strongly linked to cultural emphases on both religion and family. Significant stigma and misconceptions exist, including viewing suicide as “taboo,” being “attention seeking,” or as a personal “weakness.” Discomfort in handling a taboo subject manifested in ways to downplay the seriousness of suicide. Finally, findings revealed that views on suicide in the Philippines are not monolithic or stagnant. This study concludes with implications for enhancing suicide prevention efforts within Filipino anti-trafficking and beyond, including recommendations for awareness raising and education with multiple stakeholders such as religious leaders, family members, and service providers.