SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AS CORRELATES OF SUICIDE IDEATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES

Abstract

This study examined substance abuse and alcohol dependence as correlates of suicide ideation among undergraduates in a university setting. A sample obtained through convenience sampling, comprised 150 participants who were largely undergraduates. The administered questionnaire contained the Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation (MSSI), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Substance Abuse Scale (SAS). The results showed that there was a positive correlation between substance abuse and suicide ideation. It was also found that a positive correlation existed between alcohol dependence and suicide ideation. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference on suicide ideation score for male participants when compared to females. In conclusion, the findings were suggested that substance abuse and alcohol dependence were found to be most predictive factor for suicide ideation among the sample. The implications of these findings are further discussed and areas for further research suggested.