Prevalence and Predictors of Suicide Behaviors among Nigerian Undergraduate Students

A bstract Background: Suicide is a global health problem which disproportionately affects young people in higher educational institutions. Studies evaluating suicide behaviors in this subpopulation have focused majorly on a single suicide behavior. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of suicide behaviors among undergraduate students in Enugu State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 918 undergraduates recruited using multi-stage sampling from six higher institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, suicide behavior, mental health, alcohol use, non-alcohol psychoactive substance use, and social support was obtained using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression at a 5% alpha. Results: Lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt was 19.7%, 10.2%, and 5.9%, respectively, while the 12-month prevalence was 12.0%, 6.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. In the preceding 12 months, students in private schools [AOR = 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–3.45)] and living in-school hostels [AOR = 2.47 (95% CI: 1.17–5.22)] had higher odds of suicide ideation. Those with a family history of suicide attempt had higher odds of planning suicide [AOR = 3.89 (95% CI: 1.14–13.27)]. Students using non-alcohol psychoactive substances had higher odds of suicide ideation [AOR = 3.60 (95% CI: 1.76–7.34)] and planning [AOR = 4.81 (95% CI: 2.03–11.41)]. Students who had major depressive disorder were more likely to ideate [AOR = 3.06 (95% CI: 1.85–5.08)], plan [AOR = 9.37 (95% CI: 4.63–18.95)], and attempt suicide [AOR = 21.60 (95% CI: 5.61–83.24)]. Conclusion: Suicide behaviors are common among undergraduates in Enugu State, Nigeria. Addressing this requires interventions targeting students in private schools, those living in-school hostels, and those with mental health problems.