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.
