Volume 13, Issue 1, 2024

Stigmatisation and Suicidal Ideation among Higher Institution Students in Southwestern (SW) Nigeria

Muyideen Babatunde TAHIR & Ayodeji Olawunmi BADEJO

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between stigmatisation and suicidal ideation among higher institution students in Southwestern Nigeria. It also aimed to understand how perceived stigma impacted mental health offshoots, particularly suicidal thoughts. A correlational research design was used. The population consisted of all matriculated students in higher institutions in Southwestern Nigeria using convenient sampling techniques, such as probabilistic sampling, to select 445 participants within the higher institutions in SW, Nigeria. Data was collected through structured questionnaires that measured levels of stigma, suicidal ideation, and demographic variables on offline and online Google forms. A Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Product Moment and simple linear regression analysis were used for the research questions and hypotheses. The findings revealed a significant correlation between high levels of stigmatisation and the frequency of suicidal ideation among the students. The recommendations are promoting interventions and anti-stigma campaigns within higher institution settings to mitigate the adverse effects of stigmatisation on student well-being and thinking. Furthermore, the government should enact anti-stigma laws entrenched with political ‘willpower’ to enhance the policies and check progress among undergraduate students.

Keywords

Suicidal Ideation, Stigmatisation, Higher Institution, Students, Southwestern

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References

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