Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation Among Secondary School Adolescents Exposed to Boko Haram Conflict in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths aged 10-24 years worldwide. Suicidal ideation, therefore, represents a growing global public health issue among youths and adolescents. Exposure to psycho-trauma due to Boko Haram conflict puts the adolescent in especially difficult circumstances that predisposes them to a range of mental health challenges including suicide.
Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the rate of suicidal ideation and attempt and the significant variables associated with these phenomena. Methodology: A cross sectional study with stratified sampling techniques was used to recruit a sample of 300 secondary school adolescents. Data was extracted using the BDI and BSI. Results/ Discussion: A total of 300 students were recruited into the study with a mean age of 16.5 years and SD (2.3). 52.3% were females. 40.7% have been directly exposed to violent acts of terrorism. 28% report suicidal ideation and 1.3 have attempted suicide. Spearman’s rank correlation was run to determine the relationship between the level of depression and suicidal ideation. There was a moderate positive correlation between the degree of depression and suicidal ideation which was statistically significant (rs=0.413; p=0.0001).
Conclusion:
There is a high rate of exposure to psycho-trauma and suicidal ideation among adolescent students in Maiduguri. Targeted intervention to assist this demographic is relevant to the postconflict reconstruction effort to be designed by the national health system.