International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Suicide is a pressing public health concern globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that approximately 800,000 people die by suicide every year. In Nigeria, studies suggest that university students are at a higher risk of suicidal behaviours, with prevalence rates ranging from 1.1% to 7.1%. Despite the growing concern, there is a dearth of research on the correlates of suicide warning signs among university undergraduates in Plateau State, Nigeria. Most studies have focused on Western populations, leaving a significant knowledge gap on the Nigerian context. Objectives: This study investigated the correlates of suicide warning signs among university undergraduates in Plateau State, Nigeria, thereby contributing to the development of targeted interventions and support services for this vulnerable population.
Method: The study adopted a cross-sectional design in which 744 students voluntarily took part in the research. Data was collected using a non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenient sampling, was employed. Results: To test the hypothesis, a correlational statistical model was employed to analyse the data. The result revealed that there were weak and insignificant relationships between the suicide warning signs and the different risk factors of suicide
Conclusion: Haven known the risk factors associated with the suicide warning signs among Nigerian Students, the study concludes that it is important that the risk factors should always be looked out for in the students to control possible drift to actual suicide attempt or to even commit it.
Unique Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence on suicide warning signs among university undergraduates in Plateau State, Nigeria. By examining psychological, familial, spiritual, and substance-related factors simultaneously, it demonstrates that suicide warning signs are better understood as outcomes of multiple interacting risk factors rather than single predictors. The findings also extend the applicability of existing suicide risk frameworks to a Nigerian undergraduate population.
Key Recommendation: Universities should implement routine screening for suicide warning signs and strengthen campus counselling services. Suicide prevention efforts should adopt a multidimensional approach addressing psychological distress, family dynamics, and substance use. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to clarify causal relationships.