SUICIDE IDEATION: GENDER AND VARIATION OF CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA

Authors

  • Winnie Awuor Odhiambo School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Eldoret, Kenya
  • John Simiyu School of Education, Department of Technology Education, University of Eldoret, Kenya
  • Esther Nyabuto School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology University of Eldoret, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v11i10.5544

Keywords:

suicide ideation, gender, variation of correlates, undergraduate students

Abstract

The prevalence of suicide behavior among university students has been an issue of great concern because of its upward trend. This paper examines suicide ideation in relation to gender and the variation of correlates in different universities among university students in the Nyanza region, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine gender differences in relation to suicide ideation and how the correlates vary among individual universities. A correlational research design was employed. Four public universities and university counselors were selected using purposive sampling. Stratified sampling was thereafter employed to select undergraduate students based on their year of study. A sample size table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was used to select 1477 undergraduate students randomly. Data collection instruments included: a student questionnaire, interview schedule and counseling records. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V20). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used and thereafter, quantitative data was analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings revealed gender differences in relation to suicide ideation. The findings further revealed that there is variation in sexual abuse, romantic breakup, COVID-19, alcohol addiction, HIV/AIDS, elections and cyber suicide experiences across the universities. However, there is no variation in financial crisis across universities. The study recommends that the university counseling department should equip female students with skills on how to adjust to campus lifestyle without engaging in activities which might end up stressing them. The university should also develop prevention strategies as well as organize follow-up for suicide survivors.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Winnie Awuor Odhiambo, School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Eldoret, Kenya

    Winnie Awuor Odhiambo is a teacher counselor by profession. Currently she is pursuing PhD in Education Psychology at the University of Eldoret, Kenya.

    Email: winswanga@gmail.com

  • John Simiyu, School of Education, Department of Technology Education, University of Eldoret, Kenya

    Prof. John Simiyu is a professor in University of Eldoret, Department of Technology Education.

    Email: jwsi54@yahoo.com

  • Esther Nyabuto, School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology University of Eldoret, Kenya

    Dr. Esther Nyabuto is the Head of Educational Psychology Department, School of Education at the University of Eldoret, Kenya.

    Email: esthernyabuto@gmail.com

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Published

2024-08-21

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 10 (2024)

Section

Articles

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