SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN GHANA

ABSTRACT Studies have established that suicidal ideation is associated with risk of suicide attempt or suicide. Thus understanding more about Suicidal ideation may have implications for prevention. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey which utilized secondary data from the most recent Global School Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in 2012. Both Bivariate and Multivariate analyses were done to examine the associations between demographic and psychosocial factors and suicidal ideation. The results revealed that Sex; Bullying, Substance Use and Depression were major factors that influence suicidal ideation among in-school adolescents in Ghana. It was also found that there was a significant association between sex and suicidal ideation. The study recommends that the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service and other agencies responsible for the welfare of young people intensify education on the avoidance of suicide among young people. The Ghana Education Service should also formulate policies to ensure that bullying is curbed in schools to help reduce suicidal ideation. They should ensure that schools organize guidance programmes for their students on drug abuse and depression. This can help students adopt behaviours that can help reduce suicidal ideation.