Experiences of Adults Who Survived Suicide Attempts in Rural Uganda: Stigma, Support Systems, and Reintegration

BackgroundSuicide disproportionately burdens low-and middle-income countries.In Uganda, attempt survivors encounter intense stigma, minimal mental-health services, and social exclusion, elevating their risk of future attempts.Rural African data on post-attempt experiences are scarce. MethodsFrom June -August 2023 we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews in Buyende District with 18 attempt survivors, 17 relatives, 10 healthcare workers, and 9 community health workers.Transcripts were translated into English and thematically analyzed using the framework method within a phenomenologically informed qualitative design. ResultsThree interlinked themes emerged.( 1) Stigma-shaped immediate responses: cultural, religious, and legal norms fostered moral judgment, social distancing, bureaucratic delays, and occasionally police involvement.(2) Informal, uneven support: survivors relied on family aid, religious counselling, and ad-hoc community advocacy; effectiveness varied widely.(3) Conditional reintegration: sustained practical help, employment, and communal acceptance promoted recovery, whereas their absence perpetuated economic hardship and marginalization.Discussion Post-attempt trajectories in rural Uganda are governed by multilevel stigma and fragile support systems.Priority actions include provider training, family-community psychoeducation, stigmareduction initiatives, structured follow-up care, and decriminalization of suicide to foster compassionate responses and reduce repeat attempts.