Investigation of Suicide Ideation and Help-Seeking Behaviour Among University Students in Borno State

Suicidal ideation among young adults in conflict-affected communities presents a significant and underreported mental health crisis in North East Nigeria, where trauma exposure compounds vulnerability. This study investigated the prevalence of suicidal ideation and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduate students at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 280 undergraduates from five faculties, using stratified random sampling. The Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire was administered alongside a measure of help-seeking attitudes and service utilisation. Results showed a suicide ideation prevalence of 22.5 percent, with 8.2 percent reporting high-intensity ideation in the preceding month. Conflict exposure history (OR 3.4, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (OR 4.1, p < 0.001), and social isolation (OR 2.8, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Female students reported higher passive ideation, while male students showed higher rates of active planning ideation. Only 14.6 percent of students with ideation had sought any form of professional or informal support, with stigma (74.7 percent), distrust of confidentiality (58.6 percent), and unawareness of services (52.3 percent) as the primary barriers. The study concludes that suicidal ideation is a significant concern in this conflict-affected university context. Recommendations include confidential crisis counselling services, gatekeeper training for academic staff, mental health awareness campaigns, and peer support networks specifically designed for trauma-exposed students. Keywords: suicidal ideation, university students, help-seeking behaviour, Borno State, conflict trauma