Demographic Variables as Predictors of Youths Susceptibility to Suicide in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between age, gender, family background and socio-economic status and youth susceptibility to suicide in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of all youth in Kogi state while the sample comprised of 456 youths between the ages of 15-30 years in two out of the three senatorial districts in Kogi state (Kogi Central and Kogi West) Stratified random sampling technique was used for selection of sample to cater for gender of the youths. The instrument was a questionnaire designed by the researchers. The validity of the instrument was done through face and content validity procedures by experts in Social Studies and Test and Measurement while the reliability was established using test- re- test method. The reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained.. The number of youth selected for the study was 76 in each local government to make a total of 456. Four research hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected were analysed using Mean, Standard Deviation, Frequency counts and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical tools. The study found that there was a significant relationship between age, gender, family background, socio-economic status and youth susceptibility to suicide in Kogi State. It was concluded that lack of moral and social supports to the youth, family instability and poor economic condition contributed immensely to youth susceptibility to suicide in Kogi state. It was therefore recommended that parents should provide moral and social supports to their children and avoid erroneous behaviours that can lead to family disruptions. Government also should provide counseling services in all institutions of learning.