Suicidal Ideation and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. Study Design: This research was a cross- sectional descriptive study among pregnant women. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the antenatal clinics of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria over 2 months. Methodology: A total of 187 pregnant women agreed to participate in the study. Question 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess for suicidal ideation among the respondents. While depression and level of social support were evaluated using the PHQ-9 and social support inventory questionnaires respectively. Results: The average age of the respondents was 31.29yrs ±4.54. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among the respondents was 2.8% while prevalence of severe depression was 5.0%. The factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were; lower age of respondents (t= 3.06, P=.002, CI = 2.225   ̶ 10.244), lower educational achievement (c2 = 10.317, P = .006), fewer number of previous deliveries (t= 2.304, P = .04, CI = .026  ̶ 1.877), fewer Children alive (t= 1.986, P = .03, CI = .004   ̶ 1.766), depression (t= -5.986, P = .004, CI = -12.35   ̶ -6.23), Poor emotional support (t= .677, P = .003, CI = .471    ̶ 2.16). Conclusion: Suicidal ideation among pregnant women was observed in the study and the major factors associated with it were younger age, depression, lower educational attainment and lack of emotional support from a spouse. Screening pregnant women for suicidal ideation may aid in early detection of those at risk of physical self-harm.