A Retrospective Media Content Analysis of Suicide Reporting in Nigerian Print Media

Suicide is a significant global public health concern. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, faces distinct challenges in suicide reporting due to underreporting, deep-rooted stigma, and the criminalization of attempted suicide. This study examines how Nigerian print media portrays suicide and evaluates adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for responsible suicide reporting. We conducted a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Suicide-related reports published between January 2010 and December 2021 across seven national Nigerian newspapers were analyzed. Data were coded for suicide methods, demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, and compliance with WHO suicide reporting standards. Descriptive analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). A total of 342 suicide events involving 425 individuals were identified; of these, 281 (66.3%) were male and 144 (33.6%) female. Suicide bombing occurred in 145 (42.3%) events, followed by hanging in 87 (25.4%) and poisoning in 55 (16.0%). Suicide events were more concentrated in the North-East zone (n=109, 33.0%) and least in the North Central zone. Media adherence to WHO reporting guidelines was extremely poor: 341/342 (99.7%) reports omitted preventive education/helplines, 341/342 (99.7%) showed sensationalist framing, 259/342 (75.7%) repeated "suicide" prominently, 339/342 (99.1%) detailed method/location; 325/342 (95.0%) showed limited consideration for the bereaved, and 91/342 (26.6%) included photographs. This study reveals concerning gaps in how Nigerian print media report suicide, with widespread neglect of WHO guidelines. Improved media practices are essential for ethical journalism and effective suicide prevention. Responsible reporting can enhance public understanding and reduce stigma, contributing to national mental health improvement. Our study findings underscore an urgent call for Nigeria to transform its media landscape into a strategic ally in suicide prevention, where accurate, sensitive reporting saves lives rather than sensationalizes tragedy.