Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among adult residents of Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation among adults in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out.
Setting: Adult residents of Ekosodin community in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area, Benin City.
Participants: Four hundred and fifty participants selected via multistage sampling completed the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire.
Results: Data analysis was done by IBM SPSS version 22.0, and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Mean age ± SD was 23.7 ± 5.3, the prevalence of suicidal ideation among the respondents was 66 (14.7%). Significant determinants of the prevalence of suicidal ideation were marital status, level of education, previous diagnosis of depression, psychiatric disorder, lack of social support, and alcohol abuse.
Conclusions: One-sixth of the respondents had suicidal ideation. The government and medical personnel need to put in concerted efforts to ensure that suicidal ideation among adults is promptly addressed. This study was quantitative; qualitative studies such as focused group discussions, where persons with suicidal ideation can discuss their various peculiarities, should be carried out.