Socioeconomic Factors as Determinants of Suicidal Behaviors Among Adults in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Suicidal behavior is seen in the context of a variety of mental disorders and it is believed that suicide has become a serious issue in both developed and developing countries. This study was done to evaluate the associated factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Nigerian adults. Methods: The data were collected from Federal Medical Center Birnin Kebbi and the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Kebbi State, a nationally representative sample was recruited using a multi-stage clustering method. Results: Female gender, being divorced/widowed, lower education, and lower-income level were associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt (OR=1.56; CI=1.31–1.97, OR=1.91; CI=1.09–3.31). In particular, the effect of age on suicidal ideation presented a reverse pattern based on gender; there was a positive association for men and a negative association for women. Conclusion: This study suggested that low education, low-income level, marital status, and age were predominantly associated with the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in women than men.