Nigeria

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.9 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
• Trend Analysis:
  • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Nigeria are increasing, particularly among young people, students, and professionals. Economic hardship, unemployment, and mental health stigma are major contributing factors.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, but suicide attempts are more common among women, often linked to gender-based violence and societal pressures.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): A growing concern due to academic stress, cyberbullying, and limited mental health services.
   • Elderly (60+): Suicide risk is linked to financial struggles, health concerns, and social isolation.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Higher suicide rates in urban areas, particularly among university students and unemployed youth.
   • Rural communities face challenges such as limited mental health access and traditional beliefs attributing mental illness to spiritual causes.

4. Special Groups:

1. • University Students: High suicide risk linked to academic stress, substance abuse, and pressure from families.
   • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Increased mental health risks due to discrimination, legal persecution, and social stigma.
   • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Conflict-Affected Populations: Boko Haram insurgency and regional violence contribute to high PTSD and suicide rates among displaced populations.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Nigeria has integrated suicide prevention into the National Mental Health Policy, but implementation remains limited due to funding and resource constraints.
• Key Elements:
  • Expanding mental health services through telehealth and digital platforms.
  • Strengthening suicide prevention education in schools and workplaces.
  • Training healthcare professionals in suicide risk assessment and intervention.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: “Say No to Suicide” campaign aims to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • University Mental Health Programs: Psychological support services at major universities to address student suicide rates.
   • Mental Health and Domestic Violence Support for Women: NGO-led programs provide counseling for survivors of gender-based violence.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Nigeria collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs to improve suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Mental health mobile apps such as MANI ChatBot offering crisis support.
  • Telepsychiatry services providing online counseling and therapy.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Suicide prevention training for teachers, religious leaders, and healthcare workers.
  • Peer-support networks for individuals at risk and suicide attempt survivors.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Suicide remains highly stigmatized in Nigeria, often linked to religious and spiritual beliefs.
  • Many individuals seek help from religious leaders or traditional healers before approaching medical professionals.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Limited national data on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals and displaced populations.
  • Suicide attempts are likely underreported due to stigma and legal concerns.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increased mental health advocacy through social media and grassroots organizations.
  • Expansion of mental health and suicide prevention efforts through digital innovations and telehealth services.

References

1. Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.ng/
2. World Bank. (2019). Nigeria – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI). (n.d.). Suicide Prevention Helpline and Crisis Services. Retrieved from https://www.mentallyaware.org/
5. Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN). (n.d.). Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.surpinng.com/
6. The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs). (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://theinitiativeforequalrights.org/
7. UNICEF Nigeria. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/