Examining the Factors Leading to Suicide among Youth in Urban West Region Zanzibar

Abstract: Youth suicide is a major public health and psychosocial concern, particularly in settings where psychological distress, social pressures and economic difficulties interact. This study examined the psychological, social and economic factors leading to suicide among youth in the Urban West Region of Zanzibar. A mixed-methods approach was employed using a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants, comprising 30 youth aged 15–30 years and 20 key informants, including psychologists, teachers, parents and social workers. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and analysed using frequencies and percentages in SPSS, while qualitative data from interviews were analysed thematically. The findings indicated that psychological experiences including perceived burdensomeness, difficulty coping with stress, emotional isolation and severe emotional distress were important areas of vulnerability. Social factors included family conflict, inadequate emotional support, social rejection or discrimination, loneliness and bullying. Economic findings highlighted the mental-health burden of unemployment and the restriction of life opportunities by limited financial resources, although financial stress was not experienced uniformly by all participants. Interview findings reinforced the quantitative results and showed that psychological, social and economic pressures often interact. The study provides context-specific evidence relevant to counselling, community support, youth development and suicide-prevention planning in Zanzibar. Keywords: Economic Factors, Emotional Distress, Psychological Factors, Social Factors, Suicide Prevention, Suicidal Behaviour, Urban West Region, Youth, Zanzibar. Title: Examining the Factors Leading to Suicide among Youth in Urban West Region Zanzibar Author: Hassan Mbarouk Ali, Dr. Mkumbo G. Mitula, Dr. Salvator F. Mhando. International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 13, Issue 2, May 2026 - August 2026 Page No: 130-136 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 25-August-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22093208 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Examining%20the%20Factors%20Leading%20to%20Suicide-25082026-2.pdf