Suicidal Ideation Among Students Of The Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore suicidal ideation among university students in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach. The study, through purposive and snowball sampling techniques sampled 20 students from three colleges of the university out of 71,844 students that reflected data saturation. The data was gathered using a semi-structured interview guide. The data obtained was analyzed qualitatively using thematic approach. The study discovered that suicidal ideation was triggered by depression, stress, financial challenges, academic performance, poor relationship issues, loneliness and sickness/illness. Suicidal ideation resulted in poor academic performance, substance abuse, psychological, isolation/loneliness, low self-esteem and anxiety. Additionally, the study discovered that building self-resilience, counselling/psychotherapy, academic advisor’s help, social support and motivational speech/messages were management strategies that students used to overcome their suicidal ideation. It was concluded that, the causes of suicidal ideation were influenced by a multitude of factors comprising a range of mental health challenges. Also, students adopted a combination of self-resilience techniques, counselling support and social networks to overcome their suicidal ideation. As a result, the study recommended to the university authorities and the Counselling Centre to develop mental health and suicide prevention programmes targeting the issues of depression stress, academic and relationship issues. Budgetary support for needy students should also be increased. Also, programmes should be organize for students on how to reduce suicide ideation or cope up with the situation.