Assessment of Suicidal Tendencies Among Undergraduates in a Depressed Economy: a Cross-Sectional Study in a Nigerian University

Abstract

Chijioke Ofomata, Chinonso Confidence Nwokoro and Angus Nnamdi Oli

Suicide is an act whereby an individual eliminates his own life intentionally while suicidal tendency is the likelihood of the presence of suicidal behavior. Globally, suicide ranks among the leading causes of death in young people aged 15 – 29 years. The study followed a cross-sectional research design and a cluster random sampling technique was used to select 691 undergraduates. A Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale was used to assess suicidal tendencies, and a structured research questionnaire was used to uncover potential risk factors that could predispose a student to suicide. Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. The research revealed that the majority of the students, involved in the study, had a high risk of suicidal tendencies. Poor academic performance, trauma from childhood and sexual abuse, low self-esteem, chronic illness, drug or substance abuse, relationship issues, and financial challenges, were identified as major risk factors.Suicidal behavior was observed to be prevalent among the students, according to the findings of the study. Poor academic performance, mental disorders, trauma from childhood and sexual abuse, low self-esteem, chronic illness, drug or substance abuse, relationship issues, cyberbullying, and financial challenges, were the major risk factors revealed by the study [1].

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