Age, gender, ethnicity and religion as correlates of suicidal ideation among students in some selected secondary schools in Lagos State

Abstract

The role demographic variables to research cannot be over emphasized. Suicidal ideation is a common feature among adolescents and as such it has become an issue of concern for parents, caregivers and scholars. The purpose of the study was to examine how demographic variables such as; age, gender, ethnicity and religion correlate with suicidal ideation. Specifically, this study is designed to determine which demographic variable would be the most associated with suicidal ideation among Nigerian adolescents. This research work made use of 600 participants (comprising male and female adolescents). Demographic variables were measured using a self-developed measure and Hopelessness Depression Symptom Questionnaire-Suicidality Subscale was used to measure and assess suicidal ideation. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to determine the type of relationships that exist among the variables. The result revealed that the respondents (adolescents) age range was between 10 and 19 years with a mean score of 15.14 (SD= 1.77).The result indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between religion and suicidal ideation [r (546) = . 245, p < 0.01]. The relationship between gender and suicidal ideation was negatively significant [r (546) = -.084, p < 0.05]. Also, the relationship between ethnicity and suicidal ideation was not significant [r (546) = .013, p > 0.05]. However, findings of the study have direct practical implications for management and boards of directors in ministries of health and other human service organizations in Nigeria.

Keywords: Demographic, Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, and Suicide Ideation