ECONOMIC PRACTICES THAT INFLUENCE ADULT SUICIDE IN EDEM, NSUKKA LGA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determined the economic practices of the people of Edem in adult suicide aetiology. One research question and two hypotheses were postulated to guide the study. A case study design was employed in the study with a sample of 601 adults. Data gathered utilizing questionnaire were supplemented by focus group discussion (FGD). The data generated using the questionnaire were analyzed using frequency and percentage which were utilized for answering the research question while Chi-square (2)was used for testing the hypotheses at p<.05. Data obtained using FGD were qualitative and used to complement the quantitative data. Findings from the study showed that economic practices (55.08%) influenced adult suicide positively since the grand percentage average was higher than the cut off percentage. Chi-square test indicated that occupation (cal.2=72.02>tab.2=7.82, df=3, p<.05) and age (cal.2=41.77>tab.2=7.82, df=3, p<.05) made statistically significant difference on economic practices. Based on the above results, the researcher recommended among other things the education of the people to change the economic practices that precipitate suicide among adults in Edem. Additionally, the researcher recommended the revitalization of the traditional mores that acted as a restraint against suicide in the area in the past.