Exploring Suicidal Behaviours Among Adolescents In Orphanages In Ghana

Abstract

Prevalence studies among adolescents have shown that in sub-Saharan Africa suicide is a common phenomenon and a growing concern. However, no study in Ghana has focused on suicidal behaviours among adolescents in orphanages given their vulnerability and the stressful psychological outcomes of residential care placement identified by some researchers. This study therefore explored the presence of suicidal behaviours (that is, the 12-month prevalence rate of suicidal behaviour), the factors associated with suicidal behaviours in the target population, and the significant predictors of suicidal behaviours in the sample. Using a quantitative approach, two hundred and fifty-six adolescents from orphanages within the Greater Accra, Central and Eastern Regions were purposively sampled to complete measures on a general psychosocial functioning questionnaire. Findings showed that the 12—month prevalence estimates of suicide ideation, suicide planning and suicide attempt were 29.2%, 11.3%, and 5.1%, respectively. Furthermore, factors associated with suicidal behaviour were found to be multi-contextual: psychological (depression, anxiety and stress), psychosocial (sense of belonging, quality of life), health risk behaviours (smoking status), and social (media reportage of suicide). What is more, the significant predictors of suicidal behaviour identified by the present study were narrowed down to two main factors: psychosocial (sense of belonging) and demographic characteristics (sex: male). The Ideation-to-Action Framework and the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of suicidal behaviour are used to explain prevalence estimates. Again, the multi-contextual nature of the correlates of suicidal behaviour is explained with the Ecological Theory of suicidal behaviour. Suicide prevention and clinical practice implications are also highlighted.