RISK FACTORS, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTIVE MEASURES, SUICIDAL BEHAVIOURS AND THE UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA: PRESSURE OF ELEARNING AND E-HEALTH RESOURCES

Abstract

Suicidal behaviour is an observable problem among undergraduate students in Nigeria. This behaviour disorder makes individual to see personal life as worthless and this could lead to perceiving other people’s lives as worthless. Due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the undergraduate students were exposed to e-learning method which involves the use of internet and social media resources for remote teaching. The students belong to digital generation; so, they zealously explored the internet/social media resources. These new media are constant sources of information on trending issues like social menace of students committing suicide. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all strata of our national life and society, which has resulted in diverse crises in many families. In no distant time to come, a lot of people, including those in schools, would soon likely struggle with experiences of suicide thoughts. Creating awareness, as preventive or possible solutions to the problem of suicidal behaviours, among the undergraduate students and stakeholders in educational sector, could help to reduce the menace in the society. Hence, this study examined the peculiar causes, symptoms and protective factors of suicidal behaviours among the students in tertiary institutions. Also, suggestions for improvement were provided to embrace e-resources and best practices in e-health care services. In addition, orientations should be given on preventive measures, to empower individual citizens to take care of himself/herself, and to be knowledgeable and skillful on how to help the victims of suicidal behaviour.