Author(s) :

Elechi C.E, Byron-Solomon Joy.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Abstract Suicide is a leading cause of death both globally, regionally and locally, with over 75% occurring in low-and middle-income Countries. This study evaluated gender as a determinant of knowledge and attitude towards suicide among Undergraduates in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study adopted the descriptive survey research design being that information is obtained through distribution of a questionnaire to undergraduate students in six tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State which includes; Federal University of Otuoke, Niger Delta University (NDU) Wilberforce Island, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science, Elebele and Bayelsa State Medical University. Also participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria set for the study. This design has been successfully utilized by Arnautovska, and Grad (2010) in a study on attitudes towards suicide in the adolescent population. As at the time of the study, the population of this study consists of all undergraduate students of universities in Bayelsa State. Using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table for sample size estimation. A total of 381 respondents were selected to participate in the study. But for the purpose of clarity and better representation of the total population the researcher employed 800 respondents to participate in the study. A self designed questionnaire was used for primary data collection. The data gathered was coded and analyzed through the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0 and was presented on tables charts. The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in the knowledge of suicide among undergraduate in Bayelsa State based on gender (p-value = .000, p<0.05). The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in the attitude towards suicidal ideation among undergraduates in Bayelsa State based on gender (p-value = .000, p<0.05). Conclusions emerged this study that there was a significant deference in the knowledge of suicide based on gender, as well as a significant deference in the attitude towards suicidal ideation among undergraduates in Bayelsa State based on gender. Among others, the study recommended that the ministry of education at all levels (primary, secondary, and tertiary) should develop and implement educational programs aimed at increasing awareness about suicide prevention. These programs should focus on providing accurate information and dispelling myths surrounding suicide. Key Words: Gender, Determinant, Knowledge, Attitude, Suicide, Undergraduate, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

No. of Downloads :

1