Suicidality in Major Depressive Disorder in a Nigerian Psychiatric Hospital—Is There Any Relationship?

Abstract

Background: There is increasing resurgence of suicide globally, especially in developing countries, probably owing to socio-economic instability. Majority of suicidal phenomenon is attributed to depressive disorders, which significantly contribute to the global burden of diseases. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of suicidality (suicidal ideation and attempts) among adult outpatients with major depression at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Benin City, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted between March and June 2018 utilizing systematic random sampling of eligible participants, aged between 18 and 64 years. One hundred and thirty-two patients with major depression, with their diagnosis confirmed with the Depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were recruited. A Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Suicidality Module of MINI were administered to consented participants. Results: The past month prevalence of suicidality and suicidal ideation were 47.7% (n = 63) and 36.4% (n = 48) respectively. While, the lifetime prevalence of suicidal attempts was 18.2% (n = 24), the current suicidal ‘moderate-high risk’ was 12.1% (n = 16). Participants were 35% more likely to report suicidality for every unit increase in symptom severity (BPRS score) (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.20 - 1.52, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Suicidality is common among outpatients with major depression at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City. Severity of psychopathology was an independent risk factor for suicidality in depressive disorder.