Risk Factors And Youths Suicidal Tendencies In Tertiary Institutions In South South, Nigeria

Abstract

The study sought to ascertain the influence of certain risk factors on suicidal tendencies among youths in tertiary institutions in South South, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was utilized. The population consisted of undergraduate students of four tertiary institutions located in Niger Delta Region of South South Nigeria.  Through stratified random sampling, coupled with purposive sampling technique, a sample size of 620 was derived. Four research questions were raised and a questionnaire titled, Risk Factors and Suicidal Tendencies Questionnaire (RFSTQ) was used for the data collection.  Accruing data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages.   The result revealed that risk factors such as family disruptions, substance abuse, academic stress and internet exposure influence suicidal tendencies.    It was therefore concluded that certain risk factors such as substance abuses, academic stress and depression are closely associated with suicidal tendencies among youths.  Hence, the recommendation was that all tertiary institutions should have fully functioning counselling centres that would mount intervention programmes aimed at boosting the mental health of their student clientele; where students can be taught adaptive, coping and problem solving skills to handle the myriads of pressures and problems they face at home, school and among friends.