Perspectives of Undergraduate Students on the Academic Workload and Suicidal thoughts at Nigerian University

Abstract

This study examined the impact of academic activities on suicidal thoughts among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised of 100 students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The study selected respondents using a simple random sampling technique. Instrument for data collection was a 20 item structured questionnaire titled Perceived Effects of Academic Activities on Suicidal Thoughts Questionnaire (PEAASTQ). The instrument was validated by three experts from the Faculty of Education in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The instrument's reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient that yielded coefficient values of 0.86 from section A, 0.96 from section B, 0.80 from section C, and 0.96 from section D, indicating that the instrument was valid. The data collected for the study were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study showed that the students agreed that excess academic workload can lead to depression, limit someone's social life, and contribute to suicidal thoughts among undergraduate students and that unplanned, d changes in academic workload negatively impact on someone's mental well-being. Based on these findings, the study recommends among others that there should be an extension of academic sessions to allow for a more balanced and manageable workload throughout the semester. These can help prevent burnout and reduce the cumulative stress of a continuous academic schedule.