Prevalence, Patterns and Correlates of Suicidal Behaviours among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State

Background: Globally, suicidal behaviour amongst adolescents is a growing public health issue, which may result in early death and lifelong stigma. This study aimed to estimate the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of suicidal behaviours and identify patterns and predictors among in-school adolescents in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

Methods: A total of 336 adolescents aged 10-19 years who were attending school were randomly selected for a cross-sectional study. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that had been adapted from the 'suicide section' of the Nigerian version of the Global School-based Health Survey questionnaire. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis, which included univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, were 33.6%, 18.8%, and 11.6% respectively. The 12-month prevalence for suicide plans and attempts was 12.2% and 7.7% of participants respectively. Risk factors identified for suicide behaviour were being female, attending a school exclusively for girls, coming from a polygamous household, feeling alone, hopeless, and sense of being a burden, having been bullied and assaulted in the past; growing up in a troubled environment; having a family history of suicide attempts and having access to means of suicide. Drug abuse (p = 0.027) were associated with increased likelihood of suicidal attempt only.

Conclusion: Suicidal behaviour is common among adolescents due to various factors. Early identification is crucial to prevent recurrent tendencies. Collaboration between schools, parents, public health institutions, relevant stakeholders, and NGOs is necessary to develop comprehensive approaches for timely intervention.