WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 5, No. 1, March 2020
Pages 115-134
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/0202.50.0160
CORRELATES OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AMONG UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
Endurance Uzobo, PhD, Titilayomi J. Olaosebikan, and Tamarautari P. Oge
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates the determinants of suicide among 163 undergraduate students in Bayelsa State, focusing on demographic, social, economic, psychological and health determinants. This study is built on the theoretical model of Durkheim’s social integration and regulation theory. Findings from the study indicate that the prevalence rate for the thought of suicide among undergraduate students is 18%. Furthermore, suicidal thought is significantly related to CGPA of students (p<0.041). The social and economic correlates that are significant to suicidal thoughts using chi-square cross-tab from the study include; relationship with parents (p<0.000), academic pressure (p<0.013), relationship status of parents (p<0.006), and current financial status (p<0.002). On the other hand, the Pearson test found the following socio-economic variables to be significant with suicidal thoughts; academic dissatisfaction (p<0.001), relationship with parents (p<0.006), relationship status of parents (p<0.022), and financial status. Other determinants of suicidal thoughts include; depression (p<0.000) and health challenges (p<0.008). The study, therefore, concludes that suicidal thoughts among students could be a function of mainly societal factors which might be inherent in the school environment. Consequently, the study recommends that a guidance and counselling unit be strengthened in higher institutions that will assist students who might be depressed from school activities.
Keywords: Suicidal thoughts, undergraduate students, social integration, Niger Delta University, Federal University Otuoke