Suicide ideation, health seeking behaviour and perceived burdensomeness among undergraduates in a university in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of suicidal ideation among undergraduates and its relationship with health-seeking behaviour (HSB), perceived burdensomeness, gender, and level of study warrants investigation. A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed. Data were collected via digital river sampling from 417 undergraduates at a university in Osun State, Nigeria, using an online survey. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarised sample characteristics, and binary logistic regression tested hypotheses at p< .05. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts was 16.3%, suicide plans/ideation 14.9%, and suicide attempts 6.5%. Additionally, 35.3% reported suicidal thoughts in the past year, and 5.3% reported future suicide intention. Overall, 8.4% were classified as high-risk for suicidal behaviour. Informal help-seeking (e.g., friends, family) was preferred over formal sources (e.g., counsellors). The regression model explained a moderate proportion of variance in suicidal ideation (Nagelkerke R² = .18). HSB, gender, and perceived burdensomeness significantly predicted suicidal ideation, whereas level of study did not. The findings underscore the need for targeted mental health awareness programmes, accessible campus-based interventions, and policy reforms to foster supportive environments and promote formal help-seeking among undergraduates