Risk factors for suicidal ideation among Kenyan students

Background: About a third of youth with suicidal ideation develop suicidal plans and about 60% of youth with suicidal plans make suicidal attempts. This study aimed to study different types of suicidal ideation and the risk factors in Kenyan youth.

Methods: A total of 9,742 high school, college and university students were studied using self-administered instruments including the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ), Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis tool, and Wealth Index questionnaire.

Results: The overall prevalence of different types of suicidal ideation was 22.6%; major depression was found in 20.0%. Female gender, major depression, stress, affectivity and psychosis and being in high school were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of suicidal ideation.

Conclusion: Future studies are needed to study the progression from suicidal ideas to suicidal attempts and the factors associated with that progression.