A mixed method study on suicidal behavior among people with bipolar disorder in Rwanda

Three out of four individuals who complete suicide reside in low- and middle-income countries. More than half of them have an underlying mental health disorder. Of all mental health disorders, bipolar disorder has one of the highest occurrences of suicide. This study aims to assess the prevalence and experiences of suicidal behavior among outpatients with bipolar disorder in Rwanda and identify protective factors and potential interventions.

This study uses a mixed methods design with quantitative data on the prevalence of suicidal behavior among people with bipolar disorder and qualitative in-depth interviews employing a phenomenological approach.

Among 131 outpatients with bipolar disorder, the prevalence of attempted suicide was 18.3%. Thirteen outpatients participated in qualitative interviews. We found that the mental pain of bipolar disorder triggered suicidal behavior, but that universal themes such as hardship and loneliness were also drivers for suicidal behavior. The stigmatization of both mental health disorders and suicide was found to influence suicidal behavior. Social support, religion, and mental health care services were described as protective factors against suicidal behavior.

The prevalence of suicidal behavior was found to be remarkably lower than global estimates for people with bipolar disorder. This may be due to the strong communal support from religion and family, contrasting with more individualistic societies. The study highlights the need for the de-stigmatization of suicide and mental health disorders and the necessity of improved access to quality mental health care in Rwanda.