Suicidal behaviours among Ugandan university students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Suicide remains the leading cause of death among university students often resulting from multiple physical and psychological challenges. Moreover, suicidal behaviours among students appear to have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic according to some studies. Objective To explore the prevalence and associated factors for suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts among university students in Uganda. Methods Cross-sectional study data were collected from May to September 2021 from 540 undergraduate university students in south-western Uganda (363 males, mean age 23.3 years). Questions from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to assess suicidal ideation, while other bespoke questions were used to assess suicide plans and attempts. The survey also investigated the suicide attempt/plan method, location of the suicidal activity, and reason for not enacting the suicide plan. Three independent regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with different forms of suicidal behaviours. Results The prevalence of past-year suicidal behaviours was 31.85% for suicidal ideation, 8.15% for suicide plans, and 6.11% for suicide attempts. Having a chronic physical medical condition increased the likelihood of having all forms of suicidal behaviours. Suicidal ideation was associated with having difficulty paying university tuition fees. However, being in the fifth year of university education, and feeling satisfied with current academic grades reduced the likelihood of suicidal ideation. Individuals feeling satisfied with academic performance appeared to be a protective factor against having suicide plans. Suicide attempts were associated with having a history of sexual abuse and having difficulty paying university tuition fees. The most common method used for attempted suicide was a drug overdose, and the most common location for attempted suicide was their homes. Conclusion University students have prevalent suicide behaviours especially among students with a chronic physical medical condition, a history of sexual abuse, and problems paying university tuition fees. Based on the present study, for students at risk, universities should provide appropriate interventions such as life skills education and suicide prevention techniques.

Risky sexual behaviours among Ugandan university students: A pilot study exploring the role of adverse childhood experiences, substance use history, and family environment

“…The participants were enrolled using a snowball convenience sampling technique where students who were approached could forward the survey link to other students in the university. To avoid physical contact and to include as many eligible students as possible, snowball convenience sampling was employed to enable efficient recruitment of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic as has been employed in previous studies conducted inside or outside Uganda [31][32][33][34].…”

Prevalence of depression in Uganda: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Despite the lower increase in the burden of depression in sub-Saharan Africa, most individuals with depression go undiagnosed and untreated in the region [4]. This has led to some individuals having extreme complications of depression, such as suicide [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. The effect is even worse in low-income countries such as Uganda, with a high prevalence of depression (i.e., approximately one-fifth of the population between 2010 and 2017, and 27% of outpatients being depressed based on previous systematic review and meta-analyses [12,13]).…”

The relationship between causes of suicidal attempts in Iran and individual and social variables: a retrospective study

“…Notwithstanding, those who attempted suicide by using pesticides and detergents did so due to romantic relationship problems. Due to the distress from romantic relationships, women attempt suicide to control their significant other or seek attention without a solid intention to die as opposed to men [ 18 , 32 – 34 ]. Therefore, they attempted suicide by less lethal means, such as using pesticides and detergents.…”

“…The was a statistical difference between the average age of individuals having different causes for suicide attempt, with individuals’ relationship problems being younger than other groups. Relationship problems are common causes for suicidal behaviors and suicide among young individuals[ 15 , 18 , 19 ]. However, these average ages were above the common national age group for individuals who attempt or die by suicide (15 – 24 years) [ 9 , 42 ].…”