Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm among Undergraduate Students in a Private University in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Today, the most prevalent and the leading cause of death among young people is suicide. Worldwide, suicide accounts for an estimated 6% of all deaths among young people. The study examined the various risk factors for suicidal ideation and self-harm amongst Babcock University undergraduates. Method: Descriptive survey research design was utilized with a multistage sampling technique to select 398 undergraduates. The instrument for data collection was a semi-structured questionnaire that sought information on the environmental, social, and intrapersonal factors influencing suicide ideation and self-harm. Results were presented via means and percentages for descriptive statistics; correlation and regression were used to determine the associations between suicidal ideation and the risk factors. Ethical clearance was sought from Babcock University Health Research Ethics Committee. Results: The distribution of participants showed that 46.0% (183) were males while 54.0% (215) were females. Environmental factors influencing suicidal ideation were computed and measured on a 21-point rating scale with a mean ± SD of 13.38±3.458. The respondents' mean ± SD for the social factors measured on a 27-point rating scale was 17.15±5.772. Correlation analysis showed that suicide ideation had a statistically significant relationship with gender (p<0.01), parents' spousal relationship (p<0.01), environmental (p<0.01), social (p<0.01), and intrapersonal factors (p<0.01). Self-harm had a significant relationship with parents' relationship (p<0.01), environmental (p<0.01), social (p<0.01) and intrapersonal factors (p<0.01). However, the practice of self-harm was not different across the two genders (p = 0.170). Conclusion: Suicidal behaviors have been seen to be a serious public health concern. The prevention and intervention programs of suicide and self-harm should consider the particular characteristics of adolescent suicide and self-harm. This should include social transmission and recognition of mental health disorders.