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DEPRESSION AS A PREDICTOR OF SUICIDE AND SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS, NIGERIA

Authors

  • Dabit, Joseph

    Federal University Kashere image/svg+xml
    Author

  • Amabu Enoch

    Jos University Teaching Hospital image/svg+xml
    Author

  • Margaget Kwarher

    Jos University Teaching Hospital image/svg+xml
    Author

  • Opuene Linda Nanker

    Jos University Teaching Hospital image/svg+xml
    Author

  • Ahinche Esther

    PHC 1 Mangu
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15390545

Keywords:

Depression, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Medical Students

Abstract

This study explored depression as a predictor of suicide and suicidal ideation among medical students at the University of Jos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was used, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods, with data collected from 236 participants. Most participants were between 20-25 years old (94.2%), male (55.8%), and single (78.4%). Religious affiliations were primarily Christian (73.1%), followed by Muslim (26.9%). Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Depression Inventory (DI) and Beck Suicide Scale (BSS). Three hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA and regression analysis at a 0.005 significance level. Results indicated that 93% of participants experienced depression, significantly predicting suicide and suicidal ideation (p = 0.0005). Depression explained 84.3% of the variance in suicidal ideation (t = 15.846, p = 0.0005). Socio-demographic factors, particularly religious affiliation (33.1%, p = 0.001), significantly influenced suicidal ideation. These findings highlight the need for educational programs addressing depression and suicide awareness among medical students.

Author Biographies

  • Dabit, Joseph, Federal University Kashere

     Department of Psychology

  • Amabu Enoch, Jos University Teaching Hospital

    Department of Psychiatry, Jos university Hospital Psychology Unit

  • Margaget Kwarher, Jos University Teaching Hospital

    Department of Psychiatry, Jos university Hospital Psychology Unit

  • Opuene Linda Nanker, Jos University Teaching Hospital

    Department of Psychiatry, Jos university Hospital Psychology Unit

  • Ahinche Esther, PHC 1 Mangu

    Community Health

References

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Published

2025-05-12

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): THE PILLAR: JOURNAL OF FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 THE PILLAR JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

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How to Cite

Dabit, J., Amabu , E., Kwarher, M. ., Opuene , L. N., & Ahinche , E. (2025). DEPRESSION AS A PREDICTOR OF SUICIDE AND SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS, NIGERIA. THE PILLAR JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, 1(3), 82-94. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15390545