FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF BIGHAM UNIVERSITY, ABUJA

Abstract

This study was on factors associated with suicide ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the effect of personal challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja, to ascertain the effect of social challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja and to ascertain the effect of academic challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja. The total population for the study is 75 students of Bigham University, Abuja. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies. In the multivariate analysis sexual orientation, suicide attempts in the family and the presence of depressive symptoms remained as associated factors. Conclusion: these findings constitute a situational diagnosis that enables the formulation of academic policies and preventive actions to confront this situation on the university campus

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Suicidal ideation is a key factor in a process called suicidal behavior, and emerges as a trigger for other components, i.e. the suicide attempt, and committing suicide. In university student’s suicidal ideation may present at a particularly important moment, due to leaving adolescence and entering the young adult age and/or the adversities experienced in academic life.

Suicide is in the top twenty leading causes of death globally and the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 years of age (World Health Organization, 2014). Globally, a large percentage of suicide is linked to low and middle-income countries where stigma around suicide is high and mental health promotion services, and treatment options are poorly organised and inadequate (Lancet Global Health, 2017). Within the last decade, cases of suicide attempts and suicide among young people including those in the university system have been reported in Nigeria (Aloba, Adefemi, & Aloba, 2018; Aloba, Ojeleye, & Aloba, 2017) and (Olayinka,2014) elsewhere (January et al., 2018; Patton et al., 2016) More suicidal thoughts are ongoing, given the social pressures confronting emerging adults within and outside the university system

Risk factors for suicidal ideation among young people intersect and play multiple roles as individuals and social categories move through their life spans. As such what qualifies as correlates of suicidal ideation also change in meanings and influence in the transition from adolescence to adulthood (Kimberly A. Van Orden et al., 2011). Social correlates of suicidal ideation are considered to be social factors such as family relationships, social integration, academic performance etc. that predict the occurrence of suicidal ideation. In extending the debate, (Kentaro K., Horiuchi.f., Marina O, Yasunori O, & Shu-ichi U., 2016) argued that as young people transit into adulthood (18 to 34 years), their chances to entertain suicidal thoughts would be twice when compared with those aged 35 to 49 years. They explained that younger people who have less closeness with others, are likely to have multiple relations as they are more mobile, engage in unhealthy relationships including drug abuse and adventures. With age, such fancies dwindle as more responsibilities and accountability to self and others increases. The demands on younger people to perform in normative ways were also considered as an explanation. Such normative dispositions could become problematic when young people operate in environments that are less supportive, but competitive.

Diverse factors have been suggested in the literature as being associated with suicidal ideation, which shows that this is a multifactorial or multidimensional event. More subjective aspects such as hopelessness, impulsivity, aggression, body perception, communication difficulties and lack of social belonging have been suggested as possible factors that trigger the suicidal ideation process. Other aspects, such as demographic and socioeconomic variables, sexual orientation, religious practice, suicidal behavior in the family and among friends, alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms have also been shown in the literature to be relevant (Camargo YS, 2015)

Therefore, among university students, the different possible factors associated with suicidal ideation may be present at an unusual time of life when many changes are taking place, which include challenges of the personal, social and academic development process that requires maturity and autonomy to take decisions considering the strict determinations of the academic environment (Baetz M, 2015)

Statement of the problem

Thus, identifying the factors that are associated with suicidal ideation in university students can be an important tool for the planning of prevention and protection activities, both by university managers, as well as the health teams who assist these students on and off campus. The international literature has produced some information about suicidal ideation directed toward this population, however, there is a lack of national studies on this subject in the university setting, a situation that reinforces the need for studies with this population. Based on this, the researcher wants to investigate factors associated with suicide ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja

Objective of the study

The objective of the study is to ascertain the factors associated with suicidal ideation among undergraduates in Bigham University, Abuja. The specific objectives are;

1. To ascertain the effect of personal challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja
2. To ascertain the effect of social challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja
3. To ascertain the effect of academic challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University, Abuja

Research question

The study formulated the following research question;

1. What is the effect of personal challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University?
2. What is the effect of social challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University?
3. What is the effect of academic challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University?

Research hypotheses

The following research hypotheses were formulated;

H1: there is no effect of personal challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University

H2: there is no effect of social challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University

H3: there is no effect of academic challenges on suicidal ideation among undergraduates of Bigham University

Significance of the study

Generally, research on suicidal behaviour has been conducted amiss conceptual frameworks based on behavioural theories to identify human actions or inactions and associated factors that contribute to suicidal behaviour. This study would attempt to assess, using a well-structured instrument, common factors leading to suicidal ideation among undergraduate based on behavioural theories that would provide understanding for primary preventive measures or primordial care against suicide. Also, measures would be taken to elucidate protective factors that may prevent suicide or suicide attempts even though suicidal ideation may be evident among students of Bigham University, Abuja.

At the end of this study, the findings would provide a better understanding for the dynamics of factors known to be associated with suicidal ideation. The study may provide rationale as to why in-school students experiencing suicidal ideation would rather not commit suicide despite its burden on their mental health. This would go a long way to provide basis for an intervention to promote mental health for students experiencing suicidal ideation and also improve their living conditions by enabling them make conscious decisions to prevent suicide.

This study would enlighten health workers or professionals alike in understanding factors responsible or that influence suicidal ideation and show where the need for an intervention would be required among students. The results would also be useful for other researchers interested in understanding mental health or setting up health programs for mental health.

Scope of the study

The scope of the study covers factors associated with suicidal ideation among undergraduates. The study will be limited to students of Bigham University, Abuja

Limitation of the study

The researcher encounters some constraints which limit the scope of the study namely:

The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Definition of terms

Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts that life is not worth living, ranging in intensity from fleeting thoughts through to concrete, well thought-out plans for killing oneself, or a complete preoccupation with self-destruction

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