article · International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal
Non-suicidal self-injury represents a notable public health challenge among adolescents, acting as a maladaptive response to psychological distress. This study examined the demographic and psychosocial factors linked to self-injury among secondary school pupils in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 420 in-school adolescents using a structured questionnaire and evaluated using descriptive statistics, point-biserial correlation, and multivariable logistic regression. The results revealed that adolescents aged 20 years and older exhibited higher rates of self-injury at 19.3 percent compared to those aged 15 to 19 years at 9.7 percent. Male pupils engaged in self-injury slightly more frequently than female pupils, at 12.1 percent versus 11.8 percent. Furthermore, students in junior secondary class two recorded higher engagement in self-injury than pupils in other junior and senior secondary classes. The findings offer guidance for school-based health education, counselling, and mental health literacy initiatives.
Adolescent self-harm is well-documented in Western societies, but evidence from specific Nigerian communities remains limited. Identifying the age, sex, and educational levels most associated with non-suicidal self-injury helps educators, counsellors, and public health practitioners design targeted mental health literacy programmes. Addressing these behaviours early can improve adolescent mental health outcomes and ensure school guidance services support pupils experiencing severe emotional distress.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as it focuses entirely on observational public health research and school counselling recommendations without describing a commercial product, service, or technology.
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Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health issue prevalent during adolescence, serving primarily as a maladaptive coping mechanism for psychological distress. While its correlates are well-documented in Western contexts, a critical gap exists in understanding these factors within specific Nigerian socio-cultural settings. This study investigates the under-researched psychosocial and demographic correlates of NSSI among in-school adolescents in Gboko LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. Methods: To achieve its stated goals, this study used a correlational research methodology. All secondary school pupils enrolled in Gboko LGA made up the target population. The Psychosocial and Demographic Correlates of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among In-School Adolescents Questionnaire (PDCNSAIAQ) was used to gather information from 420 in-school adolescents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Point-biserial correlation was used to analyze research question one, and frequencies and percentages were used to analyze research question two. Hypotheses were analysed using the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Findings showed that in-school adolescents aged ≥20years (19.3%) engaged in NSSI behaviours than those aged 15 -19years (9.7%). The Table also shows that male in-school adolescents (12.1%) engaged in NSSI behaviours more than females (11.8%). In addition, in-school adolescents in JSS 2 (13.3%) engaged in NSSI behaviours more than those in JSS 1 (11.6%), SS 2 (10.5%) and SS 1 (9.8%). Conclusion: This study provided a roadmap for public health education to address NSSI behaviours among adolescents. By focusing on mental health literacy, family support, gender-sensitive approaches, and socio-environmental interventions, public health educators can play a pivotal role in reducing the prevalence of NSSI and improving the mental health outcomes of adolescents in Gboko LGA and beyond. The study recommended that schools should ensure that health education and counselling services are developed to specifically address the emotional suppression often expected of males and the unique pressures faced by females in single-gender settings
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DOI: 10.9734/indj/2025/v22i6528
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