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.
