Suicidal ideation: Are refugees more at risk compared to host population? Findings from a preliminary assessment in a refugee community in Nigeria.

Journal: Asian journal of psychiatry

Volume: 18

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 2016

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Department of Behavioral Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Electronic address: draromedics@yahoo.com. Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract summary 

Among the serious mental health problems that may be associated with being a refugee is suicidal behavior. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among African refugees in Oru-Ijebu Nigeria. Suicidal ideation was assessed using appropriate section in the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview while the brief version of the WHO Quality of Life was used to assess quality of life as a clinical variable. Study involved 444 refugees and 527 non-refugee member of host community. Result showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was significantly higher among the refugees than the non-refugee comparison group (27.3% vs. 17.3%; p<0.001). Social status and quality of life was significantly poorer among the refugees compared with their non-refugee members of same community. Quality of life was the only factor independently associated with suicidal ideations among refugees. In conclusion, the study shows that the prevalence of suicidal ideation is significantly higher among the refugees than the non-refugee members of the host community and calls for innovative ways of extending mental health services to refugees at the study site.

Authors & Co-authors:  Akinyemi O O OO Atilola O O Soyannwo T T

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1016/j.ajp.2015.09.001
SSN : 1876-2026
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adult
Other Terms
Nigeria;Refugees;Suicidal ideation
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
Netherlands