Pattern and risk factors for suicidal behaviors of people accessing HIV care in Ogun State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: People living with HIV are at increased risk of suicidal behaviors. It is critical to assess risk factors in resource-poor settings. Our study aimed to quantitatively assess the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for suicidal behaviors among HIV-positive adults. Material and methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study among 412 HIV-positive adults over nine months was conducted. Data on participants’ characteristics, prevalence and pattern of suicidal ideation, plan and attempt, and risk factors for suicidal behaviors using structured interviews with closed-ended questionnaires were obtained. Crude and specific prevalence, 95% confidence intervals of suicidal behaviors, and risk factors were computed. Subsequently, we conducted bivariate analyses and binary logistic analysis to assess relevant associations, with statistical significance at 5%. Results: About two out of every three (68.4%) participants were women. The crude prevalence of suicide behaviors was 7.3%, 6.1%, and 5.8% for suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempt, respectively. Several risk factors for suicide behaviors were common, such as perception of suicide as a crime (59.7%), lack of access to healthcare (44.7%), social isolation (34.7%), anxiety (32.8%), psychological distress (32.3%), separation or divorce (29.4%), widowhood (23.3%), intimate partner violence (15.5%), and co-existing major medical conditions (14.8). Suicidal behaviors were associated (p < 0.05) with anxiety, alcohol consumption, co-existing major medical conditions, rape, and lack of access to healthcare. Conclusions: Suicidal behaviors and their risk factors are common among people living with HIV. It is critical to prioritize screening for suicide behaviors and their risk factors in HIV care.