Exploring the Correlates of Suicidal Ideation Among University Undergraduates in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Suicide and suicidal thoughts among university students are a serious global health phenomenon. This study adopted a correlational research design to explore the socio demographic correlates of suicidal ideation among university undergraduates in Enugu State, Nigeria. A sample size of 400 students was selected from two public universities using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a researchers’ structured, self-administered questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) was used to examine associations between suicidal ideation and sociodemographic variables. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of suicidal ideation at a significance level of p < 0.05. The findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of suicidal ideation (33.2 %). Results also indicated that gender (χ² = 4.62, p-value =0.032), age (χ² = 6.27, p-value =0.044) and religion (( χ² = 5.79, p-value =0.048) are associated with suicide ideation. Gender, age, and religion emerged as significant socio-demographic predictors. The study identified female gender, younger age (16–19 years), and Muslim religious affiliation as significant socio-demographic predictors of suicidal ideation. Also academic stress, financial difficulty, and poor family relationship are psycho-social predictors of suicidal ideation. The researchers recommend that universities in Enugu State should strengthen mental health services on campus and establish or expand mental health and counselling units, staffed with trained psychologists and counsellors.