A recent study has shed light on the significant roles that loneliness, stress, and religiosity play in suicide ideation among older adults in Nigeria. This groundbreaking research addresses the often-overlooked issue of mental health in sub-Saharan African older adults, particularly focusing on how these factors contribute to or mitigate thoughts of suicide in this vulnerable population. The findings were published in the International Journal of Aging and Human Development.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers led by Genevieve Chimaoge Ebulum from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, aimed to explore whether loneliness, stress, and religiosity are associated with suicide ideation among older adults in Nigeria. The research involved 500 participants aged between 51 and 70, making it one of the most extensive studies of its kind in the region. The findings reveal a complex interplay between these psychological and social factors, with significant implications for mental health interventions targeting older populations.
The study’s results indicate that loneliness is a significant predictor of suicide ideation among older Nigerian adults. As people age, the likelihood of experiencing loneliness increases, particularly in cultures where traditional family structures are breaking down due to migration and urbanisation. The research found that for each unit increase in loneliness, there was a corresponding rise in suicidal thoughts among the participants.
JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at Michigan State University, emphasised the importance of understanding the context of these findings. He said: “Our recent study was motivated by the paucity of knowledge on suicide behaviours in the African setting. Although there is a lack of scientific data on suicide in many sub-Saharan African countries because these countries do not track suicide deaths and suicide attempts at the population level, media reports show that these events occur.”
He further noted: “Even with the under-reporting of suicide in Africa, the region still has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Our own observations around Nigerian communities also support the existence of suicidal behaviours. Unfortunately, many of these incidents do not get into the national statistics on suicide.”
This result is consistent with the interpersonal theory of suicide, which holds that a thwarted sense of belongingness – a feeling that is frequently a result of loneliness – can increase the risk of suicide. For many older adults, the sense of isolation can be profound, even when they are physically surrounded by others. The quality of social interactions and the feeling of being truly understood and connected with others are crucial in mitigating these feelings of loneliness.
In addition to loneliness, the study found that stress significantly contributes to suicide ideation in older adults. Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or health challenges, can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair. The research revealed that with each increase in stress, there was a noticeable uptick in suicidal thoughts among the participants.
Chukwuorji observed: “We found that increased loneliness and higher levels of stress in older adults exacerbate the risk of suicide thoughts. Hence, interventions that are aimed at increasing the social network and improving the quality of social interactions with older people will help to reduce suicide risk. Likewise, older adults should be provided with social security and safety nets to help them in coping with the life events and challenges that later life presents.”
Older adults in Nigeria face unique stressors, particularly due to the lack of robust social welfare programmes and the often inadequate pension systems. These financial and social pressures can create a sense of perceived burdensomeness, where older individuals feel they are a burden on their families and society. This perception can be a critical factor in the development of suicidal thoughts.
On a more positive note, the study identified religiosity as a protective factor against suicide ideation. Older adults who reported higher levels of religious belief and practice were less likely to experience suicidal thoughts. This finding is particularly relevant in a deeply religious society like Nigeria, where religion plays a central role in daily life and social structures.
Chukwuorji highlighted the significance of this finding: “One protective factor against suicide thoughts was religiosity. This is a very remarkable finding in a place where the majority of the people are deeply religious. We believe that the hope which religion provides for people and the positive social connections that people have in attending religious activities are important assets that should be properly utilised for improved mental health in Africa.”
The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of mental health interventions tailored to older adults in Nigeria and similar contexts. Given the strong association between loneliness, stress, and suicide ideation, it is crucial for mental health programmes to incorporate strategies that address these issues directly.
Community-based initiatives that promote social interaction and reduce loneliness could be particularly effective. These might include organised group activities, social support networks, and programmes that encourage older adults to engage in religious or spiritual practices. Additionally, providing support for managing stress, such as counselling services or financial assistance, could help alleviate some of the pressures that contribute to suicide ideation.
Chukwuorji also discussed future directions for this research, stating, “Our future plan is to seek funding that will enable us to implement an intervention anchored on the religious framework for suicide prevention in Nigeria. Faith leaders are powerful people in Africa. Having them on board in suicide prevention is a low-hanging fruit which will have tremendous benefits in transforming the attitudes and perceptions of their followers about suicide and suicide behaviours.” He added, “When we start the conversation with faith leaders about suicide, the chances of changing the narrative on suicide in Nigeria will be enhanced.”
While religiosity has been shown to offer protection against suicidal thoughts, the study also suggests that mental health professionals should work closely with religious leaders and communities to create supportive environments for older adults. By fostering a sense of belonging and offering spiritual and emotional support, these communities can play a vital role in preventing suicide among older adults.
