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Suicidal behaviour among patients with congestive cardiac failure in a Nigerian teaching hospital


Tomilola O. Shofu-Akanji
Bolanle A. Ola
Dapo A. Adegbaju
Adeola O. Ajibare
Adefemi A. Adeoye
Ismail O. Adesina

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behaviour is an established psychiatric complication of congestive cardiac failure (CCF), contributing significantly to  morbidity and death by suicide. The magnitude and risk factors for suicidal behaviour among patients with CCF are yet to be unpacked, especially in developing nations such as Nigeria.


Aim: To determine the prevalence of suicidal behaviour and the risk factors  associated with suicidal behaviour, among patients with CCF in Nigeria.


Setting: Cardiology outpatient clinic of Lagos State University  Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.


Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 98 randomly selected patients with a diagnosis of CCF. Participants were assessed with a socio-demographic and clinical factors questionnaire and Beck Scale of Suicidal  Ideation. Chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression were used to analyse data.


Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and  suicidal attempt among patients with CCF was 52% and 1%, respectively. No socio-demographic factor was significantly associated with  suicidal ideation. Clinical factors associated with suicidal ideation were age at diagnosis ( p = 0.042), aetiology of CCF (p = 0.001) and  severity of CCF (p = 0.032). Only the severity of CCF (odds ratio [OR] = 20.557, p = 0.014) predicted suicidal ideation among patients with  CCF.


Conclusion: Suicidal behaviour constitutes a huge burden among the outpatient CCF population. The identification of clinical risk  factors for suicidal ideation (age at diagnosis, aetiology and severity of CCF) further illuminates a pathway to mortality among patients  with CCF.


Contribution: The findings lend a voice to the need for screening for suicidal behaviour, suicide prevention programmes,  surveillance systems and government policies that support mental health for patients with CCF. 


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2078-6786
print ISSN: 1608-9685